​Somalia: Puntland President agrees peace deal with Galmudug

GAROWE, Puntland- Reports emerged that Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas has accepted a peace pact aimed to end hostility with neighboring Galmudug Interim Administration, Garowe Online reports.

Close sources tell GO that Somali Federal leaders-term ended in September 10- has brokered the deal between the warring administrations. President Ali whose in overseas visit to UAE, was pushing efforts to persuade state and security officials to support the peace agreement.

Under the brokered peace agreement, both Puntland and Galmudug will implement ceasefire and refrain from actions that could exacerbate the conflict, suspend the construction of livestock market, allow to resume the operations of Galmudug's Airport and create Ministerial committee to hold bilateral talks to be concluded in the capital Mogadishu with the participation of Somali National Leadership Forum (NLF).

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

The expected peace deal comes amid caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke’s visit to Puntland, as he previously took part in the efforts to end deadly clashes last year.

The fighting erupted after an argument involving the construction of a livestock market by Puntalnd state in Galkayo city has prompted Galmudug forces to attack the site.

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

Galkayo town is divided into two zones, with the northern part of the city forming part of Puntland state, while the southern part is under the Galmudug administration.

GAROWEONLINE