Hiiraan Online
Tuesday November 8, 2016
Renewed clashes have broken out again in Galkayo this morning despite calls by Puntland and Galmudug regional presidents to reinstate a ceasefire to the fighting that as engulfed the city in recent days.
Local residents reported hearing mortal shells this morning followed by rapid exchange of automatic gunfire at the front line. The number of casualties is still unknown.
At least 29 people, mostly soldiers have reportedly been killed in the fighting between the rival armed factions since yesterday without taking into account the death toll of the most this mornings standoff.
The violence comes just a day after an emergency meeting between the UN SRSG for Somalia, President Abdiweli Gaas (Puntland), President Abdikarim Guled (Galmudug), Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke and the commanders of both regions forces. After the discussion, both state presidents ordered their military commanders to reinstate a ceasefire immediately.
Analysts worry both presidents of Puntland and of Galmudug have little influence on achieving a substantive peace deal despite a scheduled meeting between the two state presidents later this week in Galkayo.