UN envoy calls warring parties in central Somali town to uphold the ceasefire deal in Galkaayo

UN special envoy to Somalia has expressed concern about the renewed fighting between forces from Galmudug and Puntland states in the central Somali town of Galkayo, which has killed at least three people.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Mogadishu, the United Nations called on Galmudug and Puntland states to honor the ceasefire agreement inked earlier by both sides.

“Puntland and Galmudug must resolve their differences in a non-violent manner and immediately agree on steps to dismantle the roadblocks, reopen the roads, and pull back the forces without further delay. Any spoiler against peace and stability should be scrutinized,” the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Michael Keating said in the statement.

Keating urged the authorities of Galmudug and Puntland to demonstrate their sustained engagement and leadership to pursue a peaceful resolution of the conflict and immediately find a solution to the blockade to guarantee the safety and free movement of relief workers and supplies to enable them to reach people who require urgent humanitarian assistance.

“It should be highlighted that the situation in Galkaayo has raised serious humanitarian concerns. As a result of the continuing road blockade, trucks carrying humanitarian food supplies for people affected by drought and in need of assistance have been blocked on the northern side of Gaalkacyo over the past three weeks,” lamented Keating.

The statement said an estimated 90,000 people displaced as a result of the fighting in October 2016, about 30,000 displaced people have not returned home due to fear of renewed fighting.

“The continued hostilities could prompt another mass displacement in Galkaayo. Every effort should be made by all concerned parties to avoid another displacement that would further deepen human suffering,” UN envoy urged.

Three people have been reported killed and several others wounded after clashes flared up between Puntland and Galmudug troops on Friday morning in Galkaayo.

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.