Somalia: Fact-finding commission on Puntland shootout delivers report

BOSSASO, Somalia-A fact-finding committee established by President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali submitted a full report on May 13, calling for urgent police reform, and sacking of top security commanders, Garowe Online reports. 

Though, the government has not made the report public, sources close to the Presidency say, the committee of ministers, lawmakers and security officials delivered their findings to Ali, who is pondering his next move regarding a crossfire of shootout that left a commander dead, and Puntland Security Minister, and five other soldiers wounded.  On May 5, bodyguards fired at each other at Paramilitary Birmadka forces base in Bossaso port city during inspection tour led by the wounded Security Minister Abdi Hirsi Ali (Qarjab) who is currently being treated in Djibouti. 

The commission on the deadly Bossaso incident also recommended, the sacking of Police Chief Abdirizak Mohamud Yusuf and Birmidka Forces commander Colonel Afdalow could help government implement a package of security reforms. 

An official aligned with Yusuf however questioned the neutrality of the committee: “The bodyhas delved into something different to the shootout in Bossaso. Their investigation seems politically lopsided, and may be paving the way for Police Chief to lose his post since among the commissioners is lawmaker Abdiasis Badugaye who has interest in position,” claimed the confidant under anonymity condition.  

Confined inside Bossaso palace on presidential order, Colonel Afdalow reportedly argued that he is only accountable to Puntland presidency.

GAROWEONLINE