Puntland and Galmudug start withdrawing soldiers from frontline

Galmudug and Puntland administrations are starting the withdrawal of soldiers from the front line in Galkaayo town as part of a truce.

Reliable sources say that the sides started pulling back their forces from the frontline as required under a ceasefire agreement.

Fighting in Galkaayo has killed nearly 30 people since 22nd of this month. A peace deal agreed upon this month by the leaders of Puntland and Galmudug, brokered by Somali Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid, interior minister and international community, aims to cement a ceasefire and begin a pullback of soldiers.

Implementation of that deal is being overseen by joint committee that was appointed for pulling the troops from the front line.

The committee won to persuade the two leaders of the states to order the commanders for withdrawing.

The new move will raise hopes of further progress and encourages the fled residents to come back home.

On Tuesday, Puntland president Abdiweli Ali Gas and his Galmudug counterpart leader, Abdikarin Hussein Guled took breakfast and lunch together for first time since Galkaayo clashes started.

The Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid and the Puntland president attended special breakfast meeting held in the honor of cease fire agreement on the southern side of Galkaayo where Galmudug controls.

The leaders later the day joined Puntland leader Abdiweli Gas who held special lunch on the Northern side of Galkaayo which falls under Puntland.

The meetings discussed how to conclude efforts to end the conflict including creating cohesion and integration between residents of the two sides of the town which is administered by Galmudug and Puntland respectively, Withdrawal of forces from the front line was also discussed.