Somalia: Puntland dismisses as ‘unfounded’ Galmudug accusations

GAROWE, Somalia, August 18, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland government in northern Somalia has dismissed accusations of hostility ignition as ‘groundless and unfounded’, Garowe Online reports.

Both Puntland and Galmudug have locked horns with each other over contentious issues including ownership of central Somalia region, Mudug.

In an interview with BBC Somali Service, Galmudug Vice President Mohamed Hashi Arabay accused Puntland of propping up the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea with military and financial assistance, allegations categorically denied by its Information Minister, Mohamud Hassan So’adde on Tuesday.

“Puntland still continues land grab and provocation, such as Ahlu Sunna which it provided with military and financial support and it is fomenting hostility in Saho area,” said Arabay.

He also slammed neighbor to the north for being reluctant to dialogue, expressing their readiness for any talks with Puntland.

Puntland Information Minister responded to Galmudug Vice President’s remarks and denied that they have interfered with domestic issues in central Somalia.

“We [Puntland] are not meddling in the affairs of those regions, they made false comments and it is about suspicion,” So’adde had remarked.

A clause in regional constitution yet amended after Galmudug presidential election sparked territorial disputes over the demarcation of borderline between the two states. 

GAROWE ONLINE