Somali prime minister call for ceasefire in Galkaayo

Somalia’s prime minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma’arke has called for immediate cease fire between Puntland and Galmudug forces and warned of any further attempts at escalating the situation.

“I am calling for immediate ceasefire, I called on both administrations to come to the table and negotiate, I hope the conflict will be terminated soon”, Sharma’arke said.

Sharma’arke who visited Adado town on Friday has discussed with Galmudud President, Abdikarim Hussien Guled on ways to cease the fighting in the region between the neighboring administrations.

“ My Visit here aims to stop the deadly conflict in Galkacyo and the whole region,” he said.

On his part, Guled said his Administration welcomes to the peace efforts by the premier.

“ We welcome the peace efforts of the Somali Prime Minister, Sharma’arke, We want November Agreement last year to be implemented,” said Guled said.

On friday, United Nations has raised concern over the recent clashes in Galkaayo town.

The world body said this week in Galkaayo town at least 11 people were killed and 50,000 others displaced.

Hirsi Yusuf Barre, the mayor of Galkayo south, said Thursday’s clashes killed three from Galmudug militia and injured five.

“Puntland wants to build in parts of our south Galkayo by force and that is an aggression we will not accept.” “Puntland tanks started shelling us yesterday and we had to respond,” he was quoted by Reuters on Friday.

Galkayo is divided into two zones, where the northern portion forms part of Puntland state, while its southern part is governed by the Galmudug administration.