IGAD-UNSOM upbeat in ending Tukaraq fighting

The regional bloc IGAD and the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) have expressed optimism in ending the fighting between Puntland and Somaliland forces in Tukaraq of Sool region which has since claimed dozens of lives.

In a statement Monday following a two days visit by both IGAD and UNSOM mission teams to Puntland and Somaliland, the two bodies noted there was commitment from the warring factions to end the fighting and find lasting peace.

“The leaders of both Somaliland and Puntland and all other interlocutors from both sides reiterated their commitment to finding a peaceful solution, the statement read in part.

The joint mission which visited Puntland, Garowe, and Hargeisa in the past three days said both Somaliland and Puntland ‘openly explained their positions, welcomed the ideas from the joint mission as a good basis for taking forward the ongoing search for a solution, and shared additional ideas for consideration.’

Tukaraq, located in Sool region has been the epicentre of deadly clashes between Puntland and Somaliland with each side laying claim to the small village despite local and international pressure to find an amicable solution. Forces from both sides last clashed in late May with casualties reported from both sides and more families displaced.

The joint IGAD-UN team will now further elaborate the emerging ideas and clarify issues that came up during the discussions, with a view to returning to Puntland and Somaliland for further discussions in the coming days and weeks, the UN said.

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