Somalia: Puntland VP’s security unit raids Amal Bank Garowe HQ

GAROWE, Somalia-Vice Presidential Security Unit soldiers on Monday morning stormed into the headquarters of Amal Bank in the capital, Garowe on order from the top, barring staff from entering their offices, Garowe Online reports.

Amal Bank official said on condition of anonymity that the soldiers were deployed in their premises by the Vice President, Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar (Amey).

Amey is said to have demanded Amal Bank pay USD 70,000 for the liberation of territories militarily seized by Somaliland.

The management of the premier financial institution refused to heed the order that for hours delayed banking services.

“Troops in technicals stormed our main building right in front of UNSOM Headquarters this morning. They barred employees from entering their offices, and the heavily armed soldiers stayed until our bank managers had to go to the State House for explanation,” the banker told GO.

Amal Bank officials are in talks with the government regarding the colossal amount the government is seeking for the state’s already disgruntled forces.

Puntland government has run army development fund in a bid to corral missing territories from its regional rival, Somaliland.

Locked in sporadic fights against militancy along Golis Mountain Ranges, Puntland Defence Forces (PDFs) have mutinied over lack of pays for months.

Amal Bank is owned by a diversified Amal Group Company that operates in various sectors including money transfer and forex exchange.

GAROWE ONLINE