Amid Political tension, Somali president arrives in Kismayo

KAISMAYO, Somalia, July 26, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia’s president has arrived in the port city of Kismayo to set out the training of military soldiers for the Jubbaland administration as they work to build a force that can take an offensive against the Al-Qaeda linked militants who still control large parts of the region.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit is a key step aimed at improving troubled relations between the central government and Jubbaland administration which boycotted attending  the upcoming regional conference that aims to bring together the country’s regional states.

About 1200 soldiers are attending the regular training which would focus on the overall development of the region’s security strategies including armed conflict, unit training development, physical fitness and weapons training.

The newly enlisted entry training is designed to produce officers who can lead the anti-militants offensive in the region.

Mr. Mohamud’s visit is significant at this point, given the souring relation between his government, Puntland and Jubbaland administrations. Somalia’s prime minister has recently visited Puntland to diffuse tension; however, Puntland government has insisted on its stand that it would not attend the upcoming regional conference in Mogadishu on 29th July.

Government officials have confirmed that leaders from the newly formed Galmudug administration, Southwestern state, and Benadir region’s mayor would be in attendance.

Last month, Jubbaland administration has severed ties with the central government in protest of the Somali parliament’s vote which annulled the region’s newly formed parliament as illegal.

GAROWEONLINE