Somalia: Senior Puntland officials complicit in the strikes of military forces

GAROWE, Puntland- Senior officials of Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland are reported to be complicit in the continuation of protest by military forces in the past weeks, Garowe Online reports.

Garowe, the state capital of the region has witnessed surge in mutiny by military forces who are complaining of lack of salaries and poor welfare during the current administration led by President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas”.

This coincides with previous report published by GO revealing that President Ali was advised to relocate to Bosaso city, the commercial hub of the region, till the end of his term in January 2019.

Close sources revealed that Parliament leadership, Presidential aides and Puntland President are intentionally turned blind eyes to the complains of military forces to put into action their plan of relocating to Bosaso.

"Puntland government has ignored resolving the complains of the military forces or punish the commanders of the military forces who staged mutiny, which indicates lack of government willingness to restore order, but instead sought to blame former officials from the past Puntland government," added the source.

To make matters worse, Puntland Finance Minister released a statement revealing that Puntland government have regularly paid the salaries and there are no outstanding dues for the military forces. This came after the commandos forces have seized control of the Parliament HQ in Garowe in February 27 and demanded their salaries, however, clan elders and officials intervened and ended the seizure peacefully. 

Sources said the troops agreed to withdraw after the clan leader persuaded the Parliament leadership, ministers and state MPs to agree to resolve the matter. But later the Parliament Speaker and Finance Minister have not honored the agreement and avoided meeting the commanders of the troops, added the source.

This has led the military forces to again stage mutiny and seize control of the custom office and Municipality in Garowe and Galkayo respectively on yesterday to protest over the lack of entitlements and salaries.

During VOA interview with some mutineers, the soldiers noted they decided to seize control of the custom office located at the south-west entrance control of Garowe city after the government has failed to look into their demands and pay their salaries.  

Puntland, located northeastern of Somalia, is relatively peaceful than other parts of the country but recently was hit with waves of targeted killings and proliferation of militant groups amid frequent protests of military forces that threaten the stability of the region.

GAROWEONLINE