Thursday December 7, 2017
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a leader Sheikh Mohamed Shakir (L) and Galmudug President, Ahmed Dualle Geelle Haaf (R)
Galmudug will soon have its first Chief of Ministers since the regions inception and Somalia's independence following the conclusion of peace talks between Galmudug state and Ahlu-Sunna Waljama'a in Mogadishu.
Leaders of Galmudug State and the moderate Sufi paramilitary group, Ahlu-Sunna Waljama'a have penned a political power-sharing deal aimed at uniting the factions in central Somali regions following years of friction.
The group's leader, Sheikh Mohamed Shakir is designated to be the state's Chief of Ministers after delegates from both sides agreed to bury the hatchet.
Among the duties of the Chief of Ministers is to submit the list of cabinet members to the assembly when appointed by Galmudug president.
In a communique, Ahlu-Sunna agreed to merge with Galmudug state as the group recognize Galmudug Administration as legitimate.
Through the power-sharing arrangement, Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna accepted to unite Ahlu-Sunna Assembly in Dhusamareeb and Galmudug Parliament.
According to the deal, the group will also get the chief justice of Galmudug State's High Court.
The agreement will be implemented in Dhusamareeb, the capital city of Galmudug which is currently manned by Ahlu Sunna fighters.
Somali president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has welcomed the peace agreement between factions in central Somalia.
"I would like to thank the leaders of Galmudug State and the administration of Central region for their commitment and responsibility to end the conflict. We are ready to take part in its implementation," said Farmajo.
Fighters loyal to Galmudug state and Ahlu-Sunna Waljama'a had engaged in clashes in the past leading displacement of hundreds of residents