Somalia: Mudug Police commissioner rejects post suspension

GAROWE, Puntland- The Police commissioner of Mudug region, Abdiwahid Abdule Warsame, has rejected a recent post suspension imposed on him by the Defense Committee of Mudug region on yesterday, Garowe Online reports.

According to an official order released by Mudug Defense committee, it accused the Police official for failing to carry out his duties to enforce security in the region that is beset with fighting in the recent period, and nominated his deputy Abdiqadir Ahmed Omar to temporarily take the position of Mudug Police commissioner. 

However, in interview with Radio Garowe, Warsame has dismissed the recent suspension decision and declared that only a presidential decree by Puntland President can remove him from the office, as he was appointed previously by the President.       

He later noted an existence row between members of the committee of Mudug region, accusing them of embezzling government resources and illegally acquiring government buildings in Galkayo.

He also accused the committee of breaching government’s directive to ban trucks coming from southern Somalia and covertly allowed trucks to enter the city, while he opposed it.

Warsame said, that he emphasized significantly on the stability of the region and worked closely with members of the community to ensure security in the city.  

Additionally, the Police commissioner has accused Puntland Minister of Labor Works and State Minister of Civil Aviation for failure to carry out their duties and blamed them for instigating conflicts between communities in Galkayo, during the interview with RG.

However, the claims still haven’t been refuted by neither the committee nor officials he blamed during the interview.    

It is unclear on the following scenario to the rejection of the Police official to the post suspension, as this wasn't the first time a Police official has refused to step down from the post, since the election of President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” back in January 2014.  

The development coincides with efforts aimed to diffuse tensions in Galkayo between warring administrations of Puntland and Galmudug, and withdraw troops from borders following fighting over disputed territories in Galkayo.  

GAROWEONLINE