Opposition leaders demand end to Guriel fighting

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Council of Presidential Candidates has said it highly regrets the tragic events unfolding in Galmudug State, in particular the ongoing civil war in Guriel which has deaths and destruction of property.

The Council has called for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring parties and for them to settle any political disputes through political dialogue by referring to the previous agreement between Ahlu Sunna and the government.

The Union also noted the contribution of Ahlu Sunna to the stability, unity and existence of Galmudug State saying it would only be moral for the administration in Galmudug to engage the Sufist group in consultative dialogue.

The opposition group which comprises 15 candidates also lashed out at the Federal Government for contributing troops to the fighting in Guriel and urged the Prime Minister Mohamed Roble to step in and end the fighting.

Meanwhile an official Ahlu Sunna quoted by Reuters said at least 120 people have been killed in the ongoing fighting in Guriel. Galmudug information minister Ahmed Falagle has on the other hand put the death toll of the regional forces at 16 while 40 others were injured.