Somalia: Caretaker Prime Minister expected to arrive Puntland

GAROWE, Puntland- Somalia’s caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke is expected to reach Garowe, the regional capital of Puntland on Saturday, to hold talks with state leaders aimed to de-escalate tensions between Puntland and Galmudug, Garowe Online reports.

Caretaker PM visited Adado town in Galgaduu region on Friday, and held meetings with Galmudug administration to refrain their government from exacerbating the conflict in Galkayo city, following clashes between forces loyal to Puntland and Galmudug.

The conflict broke out after Puntland state carried out construction work at a site near border dividing the city between the two administrations and prompted Galmudug forces to attack the site. The fighting was reported to cause civilian causalities and flee of hundreds of residents from the city.

The warring administrations have frequently clashed over disputed territories in Mudug region and last week Puntland has accused Federal government of fueling tensions in the region by providing military support to Galmudug forces attacking civilians in Galkayo.  

Previously, in December 2015, Somali government-term ended in September 10- and International community have brokered a peace deal between Puntland and Galmudug following deadly clashes over a dispute on the construction of road near contested areas.

On the other hand, caretaker Sharmarke whose also a candidate for the upcoming Upper House chamber seats, is expected to take part in the ballot event to be held at Puntland Parliament on Sunday. Over 22 candidates will contest for the 11 seats quota representing Puntland state in the upcoming Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament.

GAROWEONLINE