MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia president’s palace is behind stoking escalating tensions in the northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland, where elite security force mutineers and troops loyal to regional president Saeed Deni are feared to clash in the coastal city of Bosaso, former president of Hirshabelle state Mohamed Abdi Waare said on Tuesday.
“Puntland is facing an existential threat by [Somali president’s office],” he tweeted, adding that the “crisis is meant to undermine” region’s institutions and weaken the last bulwark of federalism.
“Federalism underpins the fragile consensus and peace among clans,” he noted, calling on residents in the regional state to beware of Villa Somalia’s plots.
Videos circulated on social media on Tuesday night purported to show residents fleeing their homes after regional authorities deployed additional troops to the town of Bosaso, in an attempt to quell mutiny staged by members of an elite security force, whose commander had defied government orders to hand over responsibilities after being sacked by the president.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
