Time Line for Saho District Conflict
Saho district has witnessed rising tension since August 2014 which sometimes has resulted in armed confrontation between clan militias in Saho, Mudug. The latest fighting took place Sunday and claimed the life of at least one person.
The recurrent clashes appear to be politically motivated as both Puntland and Galmudug are contesting for the control of Saho district.
Saho situates 70km South of Kalgacyo, the major town of Mudug region which is split betweenthe two administrations-Puntland and Galmudug. It’s a semi-rural area inhabited by livestock keepers.
To get a clear picture of the conflict, we recount the major events before and after it started.
August 14, 2014: Puntland cabinet ministers sign a decree recognizing Saho as a full district among its territories.
December 17, 2014: Puntland parliament passes an act that formally recognizes Saho as a district in the Puntland territory.
December 24, 2014: Fighting breaks out between clan militias in Saho, 3 persons are killed in the fighting. The fighting happened after soldiers from Puntland tried to dig a borehole there. Soldiers from Galmudug also took part in the fighting.
December 25, 2015: Aweys Ali Saed who is the Mudug governor of Galmudug State alleges the fighting is between neighboring clans and that they don’t support the clashes; he also accuses other anti-peace elements for fanning the conflict.
December 25, 2014: Deputy Governor from Mudug for Puntland Ahmed Musa Noor says that the fighting is between clans and that his administration is not involved.
December 25, 2014: Traditional elders in Adado, Galgadud has call on warring clans in Saho to cease fire and come together on the negotiation table.
December 26, 2014: Galmudug stateclaims Saho is a district within its territory and among the districts which would form part of the upcoming Central State. Puntland has also lays claim on the district.
January 1, 2015: The former governor of Mudug for GalmudugMohamoudGureGuled accuses Puntland politicians of fuelling the clashes in Saho. He particularly accuses the governor of Mudug for Puntland over his comments and alleges he was responsible for the clashes.
February 22, 2015: Puntland establishes the first Saho local government assembly by selecting councilors. The council then elects Nuur Mohamed Farah as mayor and Mowlid Mohamed Dahir as his deputy. The process is witnessed by the governor of Mudug for Puntland Mohamed Yusuf JamaTigey.
March 6, 2015: 6 people are killed after clan militias clash in Saho over water wells.
March 7, 2015: Deputy Governor of Mudug for Puntland Ahmed MuusaNuur says the fighting in Saho had claimed the lives of 5 persons, and 14 others wounded. He insists that the fighting is not between Puntland and Galmudug, but clans residing there.
March 14, 2015: Yet another fighting breaks out in Saho between clan militias. Unknown number of casualties reported.
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