UN pressures warring factions in Somalia to pull out militias from conflict zone

Puntland and Galmudug have agreed to pull out their militias from Galsoor village which has been the epicentre of the one month long conflict which has claimed 45 lives, Goobjoog News has learnt.

The agreement follows UN mediated talks held today in Galkaayo which brought together Puntland leader Abdiweli Gaas, his Galmudug counterpart Abdikarin Guled, PM Omar Abdirashid and senators elect from both sides.

A committee made up members from both states will be formed to oversee the withdrawal of forces from Galsoor, the leaders also agreed.

In furtherance of the peace talks, Puntland Galmudug leaders will meet in Kismayu on 20th of this month to seal a peace deal.

UN envoy for Somalia Michael Keating announced last week both sides had agreed to pull out their forces but tension remained high as cases of clashes could still be reported.

The agreement follows a similar deal hammered in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago but shortly collapsed.

The UN estimates 45 people have been killed and 90,000 others displaced.