Pro-opposition forces clash with gov’t soldiers in Garowe as MPs debate constitutional changes

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Fighting between Puntland state forces and factions allied to the opposition broke out Tuesday morning in Garowe following days of tensions over the planned constitutional review.

Sources in the town said clashes between the two sides started as parliamentarians sat to debate the proposed constitutional review by the government. The opposition has accused outgoing President Abdullahi Deni of attempts to extend his stay in office through constitutional changes.

It is not clear which sections of the constitution the embattled leader seeks to change but the opposition has variously rejected the move, especially coming at the sunset period of Deni’s term. President Deni’s term ends on January 9.

The state assembly resumed last Thursday for its 52nd session with the proposed changes to the constitution topping the agenda.