At UN-backed consultative meeting, Somali regions commit to better cooperation
The leaders of two of Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions that clashed over a border dispute last week today adopted a three-point plan to ensure better communication and cooperation in addressing common threats, the United Nations political office for the country said.
The leaders of two of Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions that clashed over a border dispute last week today adopted a three-point plan to ensure better communication and cooperation in addressing common threats, the United Nations political office for the country said.
The agreement between Mohamed Ahmed Alin, the President of the Galmudug state and his Puntland counterpart Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud “Farole” was signed on the sidelines of the Consultative Meeting for Ending the Transition in Somalia, which got under way in the capital, Mogadishu, yesterday.
“I am most gratified that the United Nations was able to bring the parties together in the margins of the consultative meeting and that they decided, in a spirit of brotherly reconciliation, to ensure that the peace process goes forward,” said Augustine Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, who is facilitating the three-day meeting.
Mr. Alin and Mr. Mohamud agreed to establish and maintain direct communication at the highest level, address future issues in a cooperative manner, and recognize that they face a common threat from insurgent groups.
“Puntland and Galmudug are on Somalia’s front lines in the ongoing fight against violent extremists that increasingly are relying on terror tactics to try and disrupt the peace process.
“As we work together at this important conference to adopt a road map for ending the transitional period in Somalia, I am most encouraged that the two leaders showed such statesmanship in agreeing to work together to resolve their differences peacefully. The UN continues to stand ready to assist,” said Dr. Mahiga.
According to media reports, up to 30 people were killed and scores wounded when forces of the two self-declared autonomous regions clashed last week over where the border lies in the town of Galkayo.
The pact was signed in the presence of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament, the Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, and a number of ministers and other high-ranking officials.