Galmudug and Puntland create joint security force in Galkaayo

Regional administrations of Puntland and Galmudug Monday announced the formation of a joint security force which will be stationed in the border town of Galkaayo.

The 50 force strong unit drawn from Galmudug and Puntland will ensure peace and rule of law in the border town as the two regional states seeks to end perennial conflicts which have in the past cost lives and displaced thousands.

In an event attended by Puntland deputy president Abdihakim Abdullahi and his Galmudug counterpart Mohamed Hashi, the two states said the 50 police officers will be trained and deployed in the town. Also in attendance were officials from Amisom.

The town in central Somalia is separately administered by Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the southern part.

It has been the epicenter of tribal clashes especially in the rural areas due to revenge attacks and access to green pastures thus leading sometimes to full scale conflict where the security forces from both sides are involved.