Hiiraan Online
Friday, August 28, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) -----A moderate Islamist group has signed a power sharing deal with the Galmudug regional administration Thursday, ending months of political rivalry that started after the formation of the Somali government-backed state.
The deal marks a new political era for the two sides which may help to quell the deadly insurgency by the al-Qaeda linked Al-shabab group which is fighting the two administrations.
Under the new deal signed in Adado town, Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca group would have some of its members included into the Galmudug administration’s leadership circle, scenario which would also assign a 30% share in the state’s parliament. In addition, ASWJ militia would have 4% of the cabinet from their side.
Political analysts say the new deal would help Galmudug administration to unite the Sufi militia’s strongholds into its territory that may boost its political clout.
The new deal comes two months after the moderate Islamist group’s fighters have ousted government troops from Dhusomareb, a town which was supposed to serve as the Galmudug administration’s provincial capital as declared by Somali president in June in protest of the state’s formation.
The town’s capture has since forced authorities to swap the headquarters to Galkayo town in Mudug region.
Signed by Abdikarim Hussein Guled, Galmudug state’s president and Sheikh Ibrahim Gureye, the chairman of the Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca's executive committee, the deal ducks a major divisive issue: whether the two sides will avoid a more political row.
Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca fighters control Guriel and Dhusomareb towns after the ouster of the Al-shabab fighters from the two major bases in 2009. The group has since maintained the control of both towns.