Ex-Puntland leaders, PM land in Garowe amid row over ‘term extension’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Faroole, Abdiweli Gas and former Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke Monday arrived in Garowe in a bid to resolve the ongoing political conflicts which have escalated into deadly violence in the state.

The three leaders arrived in the restive Garowe city following the killing of at least 30 people mid-last month over proposed constitutional changes seen by the opposition as a ploy by the current President Abdullahi Deni to extend his stay in office.

The people of Puntland are expected to cast their vote for a new President from January 9 next year when the term of the current president lapses. However, the opposition has claimed Deni intends to sneak in constitutional changes to guarantee him more time in office.

Meanwhile, sources have indicated that Puntland President Ahmed Karash is opposed to the president’s attempts to extend his term. According to sources familiar with the development, Karash is expected to make a formal statement on the matter upon arrival from Saudi Arabia where he is attending Hajj.