Hiiraan Online
Monday November 30, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Calm returned to the central Somali town of Galkayo Sunday as Somali government officials arrived in the town to broker a long-term ceasefire deal aimed at ending a deadly conflict between Puntland and its neighboring Galmudug state following clashes that killed at least 18 people since last week.
Large businesses were still shut in the town as troops and battle wagons packed with soldiers could be seen on the empty streets, however, there have been no clashes since Friday, thanks to mediation efforts by local elders.
The clashes that involved trucks mounted with machine guns and anti-aircraft rockets erupted after an argument involving the construction of a new road by Galmudug state in the town, which was halted by Puntland forces.
Local elders from two sides who started ceasefire negotiations signed the deal under which the two sides were required to pull out their
forces from the front lines and start negotiations to avoid further clashes last week, however, fighting resumed on Wednesday that killed at least eight people.
In the meantime, a Somali government delegation led by Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke arrived in the town on Sunday to help broker peace deal and he called for immediate cessation of hostilities by the two sides.
"We shall only leave here when the displaced residents come home and peace returns to the town." Mr. Sharmarke told reporters in the town.
In addition, Somalia's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on the two sides to avoid further bloodshed, warning his government would take a tough position towards it.
"Each conflict that occurs in our country represents a serious setback to our country's goal towards peace and rebuilding." he said in a statement issued late on Sunday.
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.