Somalia: Ceasefire reached in Puntland after deadly clashes

GAROWE, Somalia - Traditional elders have restored calmness in Garowe, the capital of Puntland on Wednesday following clashes between rival forces, which left at least 15 people dead, over disagreements on impending constitutional changes.

Forces allied to the opposition and those loyal to the government clashed over proposals on constitutional amendments, with lawmakers voting for the proposal despite pressure to drop the matter from the Order Paper for Tuesday's session.

To mitigate the standoff, elder Islaan Issa Islaan Mohamad, said the dialogue will start soonest. However, reports suggest the outgoing president Said Abdullahi Deni is mobilizing more troops from Bosaso to Garowe, including UAE-funded PMPF soldiers, who have been the epicenter of chaos in the state.

Nugaal elders, sources said, urged the outgoing president and Puntland parliament speaker to suspend the parliamentary sessions while conflict issues are addressed. However, the speaker's refusal to halt proceedings has reportedly incensed the elders, who insist that only dialogue can solve the impasse.

In a statement, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud mourned the lives lost in Tuesday's conflict in Garowe, Puntland. Hassan Sheikh urged resolution through dialogue, ruling out violence. He further appealed to the people of Puntland to safeguard their stability and peace.

On his part, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed expressed his deep sorrow over the conflict in Garowe. A city symbolic of peace is now in disarray over issues he believes can be resolved through understanding and dialogue. He placed his faith in the people of Puntland to restore peace swiftly and strengthen their government.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the fighting in Garowe that claimed the lives of more than 10 people as "unfortunate", called for an immediate end to the conflict and option for dialogue to resolve the differences in Puntland, the "beacon of peace" for over 20 years. "The talks are easier, meaningful, and less cost than the gunfight," he added.

GAROWE ONLINE