Puntland and Galmudug forces withdraw from Galkaayo as peace pact takes effect

Puntland and Galmudug forces withdrew from Galkaayo town Friday afternoon signaling a major milestone to the UN brokered peace deal signed last week with leaders from both sides pledging to uphold the terms of the pact.

The withdrawal which comes after a month long round of fighting causing deaths of about 50 people and displacing thousands is expected to ease tension and allow for return of displaced families even though some had expressed fears warning the situation was still fragile.

The official pull out overseen by the Prime Minister Abdirashid Omar Sharmarke and UN Special envoy for Somalia Michael Keating follows a failed peace agreement early this month under the auspices of the Emirati government in Abu Dhabi.

It is not however clear if there is a standard distance both forces should maintain from the town.

Prime Minister Sharmarke said the move to pull out the troops was a sign of commitment between leaders of Puntland and Galmudug and that it would facilitate the return of people who were displaced during the fighting.

The UN estimates up to 90,000 people were displaced and are currently sheltered in camps by humanitarian agencies.

“We are happy that forces from Puntland and Galmudug have withdrawn from this point today. This will inspire confidence among displaced people to return to their homes. I am confident all troops will be withdrawn from the whole town. I thank the presidents of Puntland and Galmudug for their commitment and I am confident we will find lasting peace in Galkaayo,” the Premier said.

Puntland leader Abdiweli Gaas and his Galmudug counterpart Abdikarin Guled also sounded upbeat noting they will commit themselves to ensuring peace is restored in Galkaayo.

Goobjoog News correspondent in Galkaayo reports there is calm in the town and people are slowly returning to their homes. Earlier in the week, some displaced people who spoke to the media said they were not confident peace would return despite withdrawal of troops.

Keating said in a tweet he was encouraged by the progress to pull out troops in Galkaayo and that lasting peace would prevail.