MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Former governor of Gedo region Osman Nur Haji (Moalimuu) said on Monday that he had survived an assassination attempt after troops loyal to the incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo launched an overnight attack on his residence in the southern Somalia town of Garbaharey.
Moalimuu told a press conference that an exchange of gunfire between his bodyguards and attackers lasted for hours, and an attempt on his life was foiled amid mounting tensions over elections expected to be held in the restive region.
The former official said troops deployed to the region by the current administration belong to a single sub-clan and had been airlifted to major cities in Gedo to advance personal interests of the incumbent President.
Somalia President’s office has not immediately commented on the claims.
Osman Nur Haji was an erstwhile ally of the current administration before taking sides with Jubaland authorities in a wrangling over who should control key cities in Gedo region.
His assertion comes amid heightened dispute over an announcement by Jubaland authorities that they would relocate elections for 16 parliamentary seats that have been due to be held in Garbaharey region.
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