Somalia: Federal Govt dispatches delegation to Guri’el
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- Posted On 02-03-2015, 07:59PM
GURI’EL, Somalia, March 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia Federal Government has dispatched a delegation led by Defence Minister Gen. Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Diini to the central town of Guri’el on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
The plane carrying Gen. Diini and his delegation landed at an airstrip in the outskirts of Guri’el.
Sources within the government tell GO that he will hold talks with the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea- the most influential militia in central Somalia and the traditional leaders on the quelling of bloody conflict.
As a result of clashes over regional dominance, Ahlu Sunnah dislodged Somali government forces from Guri’el in early February.
Ever since, the town has been a spot for sporadic battles, with government troops seeking to wrest control of Guri’el.
Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers are battling beleaguered Al Shabaab militants in central and southern Somalia.
The bold challenge by the moderate group is by far seen as another blow to the country’s timetable towards election by 2016.
GAROWE ONLINE
