Puntland Polls Committee Urges Heightened Security Amid Stand-Off in Garowe

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: The Puntland Elections Security Committee has called on security agencies in the state to tighten security across the state ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections next month.

The Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the security of the elections, said in a statement Monday that all security organs should ensure all security threats are dealt with. It further directed the security organs manning ports of entry to subject all persons entering the state to checks, including any material they may be carrying.

It also directed that all security personnel would not be allowed to carry weapons while on duty. The directives come amid heightened tensions in the capital, Garowe in recent weeks following disputes over the election calendar and selection of election committees by outgoing President Abdullahi Deni.

On Sunday, the Puntland Maritime Police Force, which is loyal to Deni reportedly occupied parliament buildings as the opposition and Deputy President Ahmed Karash fiercely opposed the selection of Vetting and Dispute Resolution Committee, which was recently appointed by Deni.