Somalia: Residents flee homes as tensions linger in Galkayo

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GALKAYO, Somalia, November 24, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Amid heightened armed tensions in central Somalia town of Galkayo, residents began fleeing homes overnight on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

The fleeing of ordinary residents, mainly in the vast north has come after negotiations to broker ceasefire between warring Galmudug militias and Puntland broke down.

Traditional leaders and businessmen Monday embarked on mediations to quell conflict that left five dead and as many as 50 wounded by Sunday.

Puntland forces and Galmudug militiamen reportedly turned down requests for both to withdraw to earlier positions.

The two sides traded accusations over responsibility for Galkayo clashes.

Puntland Presidency said in statement that Galmudug militias attacked masons and construction workers at key junction connecting Garsoor to Galmudug-controlled Barahley neibhorhood ‘unprovoked’.

Meanwhile, Galmudug security Minister bashed Puntland for encroaching into their territories.

Since precarious peace pact in 1993, Galkayo has been a flashpoint for recurrent skirmishes. 

GAROWE ONLINE