Galkaayo religious leaders call for cessation of hostilities

A number of prominent religious scholars called on Sunday, Galmudug and Puntland States to cease the fighting in Galkaayo and to help displaced civilians return to their homes. The body urged immediate and unconditional cessation of the hostilities.

“We hereby to call upon these two states to cease the hostility; we know you command the fighting soldiers and without your knowledge they won’t engage in fighting” said Sheikh Mohammed Shaybe.

The scholars said Islam prohibited any form of infighting between Muslims and therefore called state leaders to observer Islamic teaching. “Islam has prohibited infighting between Muslim brothers. We ask you to end the fight and help families which have fled to return to their homes” added Sheikh Shayba.

According to the UNHCR 50,000 people have fled the town since the fight between two state forces started close to a month now.