Somalia: President Hassan visits central town

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia Feb 10, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has paid first visit to Galgaduud regional capital of Dhusamareb on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

Mohamud was accompanied by presidential officials and parliamentarians on his trip to Galgadud where paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamea vies for control.

Hundreds of banner-waving residents and traditional leaders received Somalia President at an airstrip on the outskirts of Dhusamareb under tight security.

Shortly after his arrival, President Mohamud officiated a runner-up reconciliation conference, calling on all sides to unite for the formation of new federal state.

During his speech at a conference hall in Dhusamareb, he officially set Adado convention for March 1^st.

Despite slow pace of federalization process, Adado convention is likely to bring together Galmudug, Himan and Heeb and Ahlu Sunnah.

The visit has coincided with a heavy fighting that saw Somali government forces pushed out of Galgudud region town of Guriel.

Under a new deal, in early 2014 Ahlu Sunnah militias were integrated into Somali National Army.

GAROWE ONLINE