National Army was not involved in Galkaayo clash, Defence Minister asserts

The Federal Government has refuted claims by Puntland state that Somali National Army soldiers fought alongside Galmudug state troops in a clash which left almost 20 people dead in the past week.

In a statement, Defense Minister Abdikadir Sheikh Diini said the SNA mandate is established within the constitution to protect the integrity of the country and cannot therefore be engaged in killing citizens.

“The SNA soldiers are national forces formed to protect the country’s integrity. There is no evidence to prove the soldiers were involved in any clan clashes. Anyone who uses the national army attire for such purposes will be prosecuted,” said Diini.

Puntland yesterday accused the federal government of working with Galmudug state to wage a battle against its forces. It accused the government of hypocrisy noting that while it sought to promote peace, its forces were actively working with Galmudug forces.

“It appears the Federal Government is operating in a duplicitous manner by engaging Puntland State to seek peace while SFG trained forces as part of the 21st sector of the SNA have actively participated in the fighting alongside Galmudug Interim Administration militia,” read the statement in part.

But Galmudug has also dismissed the claims saying the SNA forces were not involved in the clash. Speaking to the media last evening, Galmudug deputy president Mohamed Hashi Arabay said there were no SNA soldiers in the area. “As you are aware there are no SNA forces in the area. They left earlier this year after a fight with Ahlu-Sunna Wa Jamaa,” said Arabay. Ahlu-Sunna, a militia group has been fighting the Galmudug administration to wrestle control of some areas.

The fighting which started last Sunday claiming 11 lives and injuring about 50 others. The fighting resumed yesterday with about 7 people killed even as the Prime Minister Abdirashid Omar Sharmake was meeting leaders in a reconciliation effort in the area.

Sharmake yesterday said he hoped the peace process would bear fruit calling for de-escalation of the situation.

Defence minister Major General Mohamed Adan together with Interior Minister Abdurahman Odowaa are currently meeting with Mudug elder Islaan Bashiir in Galkaayo in efforts to start the peace process.