Over 100,000 displaced in Guriel as Galmudug forces ready for clash with Ahlu Sunna

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALMUDUG: Over 100,000 people have since been displaced in Guriel following the standoff between Galmudug forces and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa who are currently holding the town, the UN has said.

The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA said Thursday 100,440 people had been displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. It added the situation had been exacerbated by looming drought and water shortage facing the region.

The UN warning comes amid an expected show-down between Ahlu Sunna and Galmudug forces. The regional government said Thursday its forces had surrounded Guriel town following ‘failed talks’ spearheaded by government and clan elders.

Information Minister Ahmed Falagle told the media the state forces were ready to storm Guriel and retake it from Ahlu Sunna which has been in control for about a month. Immediate former security minister Ahmed Fiqi reiterated his earlier criticisms Wednesday against President Ahmed Qoorqoor on how to handle the Guriel crisis.

Fiqi said the planned attack on Guriel was a deliberate attempt to destabilise Galmudug and extend Mohamed Farmaajo’s stay in office as president. He had earlier accused Qoorqoor of relying on military support from Mogadishu instead of pursuing dialogue with the moderate Islamist group.