Somalia: Puntland President vows revenge for victims of Al Shabaab terror

GAROWE, Somalia-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has vowed exact revenge for the victims of Al Shabaab terror attacks in the wake of killing of woman peace activist on Wednesday evening, Garowe Online reports. 

Ali has delivered remarks at a press conference in the State capital of Garowe upon his return from informal visit to United Arab Emirates.  

He flew through Bossaso port city before being received by government ministers and parliamentarians at Canoco airstrip on the outskirts of the capital. 

Ali touched on a number of topics including political talks in Mogadishu, Dubai trip, Sool clan fighting, fight against terror and the assassination of well-known Somali woman peace activist in central Galkayo town. 

--Mogadishu talks  

Ali expressed optimism on technical preparations ahead of electoral transition expected to be initiated with parliamentary selection process by August this year.  

He noted that political leaders will once more gather for election talks as a continuity in southwestern Baidoa town on June 20.

--Dubai trip  

Continuing, Puntland leader said that he had been in Abu Dhabi for meetings focused on maritime security, politics and economic development.  

The President hoped that the outcome of UAE discussions will be tapped for the better.

 --Deadly clan clashes in Sool 

In his first comments on deadly clan fighting in the village of Dharkayn-Genyo of northern Soolregion, Ali called the clashes between the two fraternal clans as unfortunate and appalling.  

He also offered his government’s readiness to quell the armed tensions and mediate in the clan animosity saga that at last triggered a two-day deadly confrontation in which nearly 30 people from the warring militiamen were killed.

 --Woman activist killing 

Puntland President decried the assassination of woman peace activist and the head of MudugWomen Association late Dhudi Yusuf Adan a few minutes into dusk prayers by Wednesday afternoon.

 Ali strongly condemned the targeted killing, mocking Al Shabaab militants for targeting women after defeats on the frontline.

--Executing Al Shabaab prisoners  

President Ali threatened to execute Al Shabaab prisoners in revenge for those who are targeted by militants in Puntland.  

He unveiled that he is serious about punishing Al Shabaab inmates for the heinous acts perpetrated by remnants. 

“What I tell Al Shabaab is; our prisons are awash with militants whom we can execute whenever you spill a drop of our people’s blood. 

This is a solemn message and we will not hesitate to employ all available means. If you shoot dead five, we will execute 20 in revenge,” vowed Puntland leader.

GAROWEONLINE