Somalia: Irro Meets Predecessors on Eastern Somaliland Conflict 

HARGEISA, Somalia - Abdirahman Irro, the newly elected leader of the Somaliland region held a meeting with his predecessors, following conflicts in parts of the breakaway region, particularly the Eastern side and at the border with Ogaden.

The high-level consultation meeting brought together leaders from the breakaway region, including former Vice Presidents as well. Political and security issues were discussed at length, officials said.

Among those present were Muse Bihi Abdi, the immediate former president, the third President, Dahir Riyaale Kahin; the third Vice President, Ahmed Yusuf Yasin; the second Vice President, Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah; and former House Speaker Bashe Mohamed Farah.

Former Vice Presidents Abdirahman Abdullahi Ismail (Saylici) and Hassan Isse were absent from the meeting. Irro assumed presidency this month after defeating Muse Bihi Abdi in a closely contested election.

"Key political and security issues of special importance and priority," the leaders from the breakaway region said though it did not provide specific details.

Sources privy to the discussions indicated that the focus included the deadly conflict in the Dacawaley area of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, which erupted on December 25, and the ongoing conflicts in Somaliland's eastern regions.

At Dacawaley, the conflict saw Ethiopian federal troops and the Somali Region's Liyu Police clash with residents, leaving over 50 people, mostly civilians, dead. Somaliland termed the aftermath as "genocide" as it called for lasting peace.

GAROWE ONLINE