Despite ceasefire deal, fears of fighting persists Galkayo town

Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, November 25, 2015

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MOGADISHU (HOL) – One day after elders in the central Somali town of Galkayo signed a ceasefire deal following deadly clashes between forces from Puntland and its neighboring Galmudug state on Sunday, residents in the town say fears of fighting lingers as military build-up could be seen on the front lines Tuesday.

Hundreds of residents returned to their homes they fled during Sunday’s clashes, hoping the cease fire would take hold; however, the war rhetoric from both sides seem to be dashing hopes of peace as the two sides continue to mobile forces for a potential new fighting.

The returnees have again packed up their belongings to flee Tuesday, fearing they would be caught in possible further clashes as elders urged the two sides to cease hostilities and avoid further bloodshed.

“Fighting can start at any time – we are leaving now.” Fahmo Ahmed, a resident in Galkayo told HOL by phone from the town.

“They don’t want to hear elders’ calls for peace.” She said.

Galmudug administration blamed Puntland president of orchestrating the fighting which has put the town on lock-down, an accusation dismissed by the Puntland government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Galmudug state welcomed the ceasefire; however, it accused Puntland of stirring trouble by massing troops in town.

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

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