Somalia: Puntland confirms peace agreement with Galmudug

GAROWE, Puntland- In a press statement by Puntland government, said a peace deal was reached to end tensions in Galkayo town after round meetings between regional administrations in UAE, Garowe Online reports.

Leaders of Federal member states Puntland, Jubaland, Southwest, Galmudug and newly formed Hirshabelle states held talks in Abu Dhabi city, the capital of UAE from 30 October till 1 November, and jointly announced they had reached a peace deal between Puntland and Galmudug.

The brokered peace agreement included immediate ceasefire, refrain from actions that could exacerbate the situation, recall of displaced residents, establish ministerial committee for further bilateral talks and hold meeting in Kismayo town in November 20 to conclude the peace deal.

This is the second peace deal to be reached between Puntland and Galmudug following the collapse of previous agreement mediated by the Somali leaders and International community in December 2015.

The warring administrations have fought frequently over contested areas in Mudug region, causing civilian causalities and flee of hundreds of residents from Galkayo city.

However, Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas is expected to head back to Bossaso city on Wednesday, who jetted off from UAE along with the Leaders of Galmudug, Southwest and Hirshabelle in the same private plane back to the country. 

GAROWEONLINE