Somalia: Puntland, Galmudug agree on ceasefire

GALKAYO, Somalia, December 1, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has made progress in mediation efforts in central Somalia town of Galkayo on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland and Galmudug agreed to four-point deal including ceasefire which appears to be holding, that armed elements be withdrawn to earlier positions, formation of joint committee comprising Somalia Federal Government, Puntland and Galmudug, and resettlement of displaced families.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) citing local NGOs said, 40,000 people have been forced out of their homes since the beginning of the hostility last week.

As clashes took toll on civilians, at least 30 are reported to have been killed in sporadic confrontations in restive Galkayo.

Jubaland and Southwest State leaders-Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan respectively- are backing Prime Minister Sharmarke in the peace endeavor.

Galmudug green lighted all proposed points, while Puntland objected to the joint committee, insisting that traditional leaders should first off bring about understanding.

Presidency sources tell Garowe Online that Puntland leader, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali snubbed meeting with Galmudug’s Abdikarin Hussein Gulled.

EU envoy to Somalia, Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso joined Galkayo peace talks later today.

Relations soured after Galmudug absorbed Puntland-controlled territories into its map. 

GAROWE ONLINE