Elder in Mudug welcomes Galmudug-zonefive agreement as boost to region’s peace

Traditional elder in mudug region, Mohamud Arab Alin has welcomed the agreement between Ethiopia’s Zone-five and Galmudug leaders, to find lasting peace to incessant clashes between the Ethiopian paramilitary unit, Liyuu police and Somali communities living in the border between the two countries.

Alin who spoke to Goobjoog News has praised the persistence and commitment shown in the talks between two leaders.

“The people of regions can be grateful for the courage, commitment and persistence shown by the negotiators and their governments, and for the hope that this agreement has brought.” Said Alin.

He urged all sides to implement fully the deal, which could bring “significant improvement in regional stability and security”.

The agreement comes amid attacks by Liyuu police which last month killed 20 people and displaced hundreds of families. A similar attack last year killed 51 Somalis and injured some 200 others.

Human Rights Watch has severally accused Liyuu police of human rights violations including summary executions and torture. The paramilitary unit was formed by the Ethiopian government in 2007 to counter the Ogaden National Liberation Front, ONLF but has since been a used to indiscriminately attack innocent people.

Sources have indicated the unit has taken clan shape fighting as clan militia groups but clad in police uniform.