Hiiraan Online
Saturday, August 2, 2014
At least six members of Somalia’s federal parliament who descend from the regional state of Puntland have today returned to their home region due to a dispute between the federal government and Puntland.
The withdrawal of the six legislators from the capital Mogadishu comes several days after the region’s president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas gave them an ultimatum of 15 days to return to the Puntland region.
The call followed after Somali government announced the formation of central Somali state which consists of two regions: Mudug and Galgaduud, but this was boycotted by the Puntland state which partially controls Mudug region.
Hassan Abshir Farah who was leading the delegation of lawmakers told reporters at the airport upon arrival that they accepted the call by the Puntland leader and we are glad to be back home safely.
Puntland president Abdiweli Gaas said he was very happy with the return of the six lawmakers to the region.
“I kindly thank you for embracing my call to return to your home region” President Abdiweli Gaas told the lawmakers during meeting at his compound in the town of Garowe.
There are other members of the parliament and government ministers who are also hailed from Puntland and it is not yet clear whether they will accept President Gas's ultimatum.
HOL English News Desk