MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble on Friday called for a de-escalation of tensions in Galmudug regional state, hours after Ahlu Sunna Sufi group wrestled control of key cities from federal government-backed regional authorities.
Roble sent condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in the renewed conflict and hoped for those injured in the recent clashes to recover.
Ahlu Sunna fighters entered the towns of Guriel and Mataban in central Somalia on Friday, a day after fighting with government troops erupted in the village of Bohol, some 30 km from the seat of power for Galmudug regional government.
The Sufi group claimed it had returned to cheering crowds at the streets of the retaken cities and ordered flights carrying weapons and troops could not land at an airstrip in the town of Guriel.
Somali Prime Minister said Galmudug has a legitimate regional government, which is responsible for the security in the region and called on all parties to avoid anything that may undermine the authorities’ work.
Ahlu Sunna leader Sh Mohamed Shakir blamed the federal government and Galmudug leadership of stoking tensions in central Somalia, arguing that their fighters have returned to the region to fight the Al-Qaeda-aligned militant group Al-Shabaab after authorities failed to drive it from key strongholds in the region.
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