Press Release on Conflict in Galkayo, Somalia
Press Release on Conflict in Galkayo, Somalia
Ref: PDF/02100 Oct. 29, 2016
www.puntlanddiasporaforum.org info@puntlanddiasporaforum.org
In the past three weeks, the central Somali city of Galkayo has experienced renewed armed conflict between forces aligned with the Puntland Government of Somalia and the recently formed Interim Gal-Mudug Administration. This renewed conflict has resulted in many civilian casualties and the displacement of over 70,000 residents from the city and the surrounding areas. This violence has also resulted in the disruption of the flow of goods that are essentials for residents on both sides of the city.
This is the second time in the past 12 months that large scale violence has erupted in this town. Puntland Diaspora Forum (PDF) is deeply concerned about this renewed conflict and calls on the administrations’ leaders, traditional community leaders, and other influential parties to bring an immediate end to the current hostilities and to resolve all issues through mediation and dialogue. Continued fighting in this volatile region could escalate into a national conflict and overturn the national progress.
PDF notes that the Gal-Mudug Interim Administration unilaterally started the current conflict on October 7, 2016, after Puntland started constructing a livestock quarantine area, and continues to wage attacks on Northern Galkayo. We call on the Gal-Mudug Interim Administration to immediately halt these unprovoked attacks and pursue their objectives through dialogue. Further violence will only result in more death and destruction on both sides and drives these neighboring communities further apart.
Puntland Diaspora Forum is also troubled by the lack of tangible effort on the part of the Federal Government to mediate between these two neighboring communities. Furthermore, PDF is extremely disturbed by reports suggesting the impartiality of the Government in this conflict. We call on the Federal Government to pursue a common national interest in place of short-term political gains that destabilize stable regions and give opportunity to enemies of the Somali people.
Puntland Diaspora Forum (PDF) – Media and Public Relations Office
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