Somalia: Peace talks resumed between leaders of Galmudug, Puntland

GALKAYO, Puntland- Meeting between leaders of Galmudug and Puntland regions started in Galkayo’s Airport in Saturday, aimed to end lingering clashes between rival administrations, Garowe Online reports.

Caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” and foreign delegates led by UN Representative to Somalia Michael Keating led the discussions to mediate a peace agreement following deadly clashes in the past weeks, resulted in the death of over 40 people and forced others to flee the city.

In the closed-door meetings, the two sides agreed to commit to previous agreement reached in UAE, to implement ceasefire and return displaced residents to the city. They also agreed to participate in the forthcoming meeting in Kismayo town in November 20, to finalize the previous peace deal between Galmudug and Puntland.

The agreement included creating joint ministerial committee to hold further bilateral talks and create an independent committee responsible to oversee the situation in Galkayo city, proposed by Galmudug President.

This comes amid heightened in Galkayo city, as forces loyal to Galmudug and Puntland positioned at the border between the two regions.  

Last December, the warring administrations signed a peace deal mediated by International community and Federal government-term ended in September 10- but collapsed after renewed fighting flared up over construction of market near border between the regions.

GAROWEONLINE