Somalia: Puntland, Galmudug reach agreement in Adado

ADADO, Somalia- In sideline meetings following the inauguration ceremony of the new Galmudug President in Adado town in Monday, the state Presidents of Galmudug and Puntland were reported to have signed a peace deal, Garowe Online reports.

Sources in the meetings last night revealed that Jubaland President along with Federal Minister of Interior were present at the talks that is expected to pave the way for peace in the volatile Mudug region.

Recently, a clash broke out between rival nomadic communities fighting for pasture and water in Mudug region, and is afraid it could escalate tensions between neighboring administrations who frequently clashed in Galkayo city.

During a brief press conference in Adado town on Tuesday morning, Galmudug President Galmudug Ahmed Dualle Geelle "Haaf" said that tensions have ended between both administrations but any future incidents will be narrowed down to the offenders.

Additionally, the officials said that roads will be completely opened connecting the two sides to facilitate commercial trade that was halted in the past months because of fighting between forces at the borders.

Nevertheless, Galmudug and Puntland have previously signed similar deals in the past brokered by international community and Federal government but was not adhered too.

It is not clear if the new Galmudug leader can exert power over clan militias in his region considered to be a hard task to meet.

Puntland and Galmudug are in dispute over contested areas in Mudug region, as Galkayo witnessed most fighting which caused destruction of properties and fleeing of thousands of residents outside the city.  

GAROWEONLINE