IGAD seeks to end Southwest and Upper Bakol standoff

A high-level delegation from the Federal government, Intergovernmental Authority and Development (IGAD) and former government officials arrived in El Barde town of Bakol region yesterday in a bid to find solutions to disagreements between the Interim South West administration and its neighbor Upper Bakol, a recently formed administration in the region.

IGAD envoy Amb. Mohamed Abdi Affey commended El Barde for the relative peace it enjoys and expressed optimism for a positive outcome from the meeting with local elders.

A Member of Parliament, Abdiwahab ugas Hussein said that the standoff between the two administrations will be resolved at regional level without necessarily escalating the matter to the Mogadishu-based national government.

The delegation held a series of meetings with elders and officials from both sides.