Somalia: Upper Bakool leader says not open to talks with SW in first interview

GAROWE, Somalia, December 27, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Garowe Online has talked to the self-proclaimed Upper Bakool Administration leader about any future talks with Southwest State and the plans ahead on Sunday.

Ahmed Nur Sheikh Mohamed ruled out in an interview with GO possibility of negotiating with Southwest State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan on the motives behind the fresh split.

He accused Baidoa-based interim administration of political negligence and lack of attention to the mounting grievances among inhabitants of three districts in ‘Upper Bakool region’.

He claimed that community leaders representing El Barde, Yeed and Aato districts elected him and his deputy to presidency.

Asked if they will ponder talks, Upper Bakool leader insisted that final say lies in hands of local residents.

Meanwhile in Baidoa, Southwest State Information Minister Hassan Abdi Mohamed dismissed Upper Bakool administration as ‘phantom’ in a separate interview.

On Saturday, Puntland expressed its support for the existence of Upper Bakool in yet another twist exposing how differences are looming larger on electoral transition by 2016 when the mandate of current government ends.

Puntland and Southwest leaders appear not to be standing in the same pace ahead of critical forum in the southern port city of Kismayo in January.

GAROWE ONLINE