Galkaayo fighting claims another five lives, PM calls for truce

At least five people have been killed and ten injured in the latest round of fighting in clash prone Galkaayo as leaders call for end to fighting which has now displaced thousands sparking a humanitarian crisis.

Goobjoog News correspondent in Galkaayo said forces from Puntland and Galmudug clashed Monday morning in Garsoor village which has been the scene of fighting for the last one week.

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke who spearheaded talks last December that led to a momentary ceasefire has called on both sides to end the fighting echoing local leaders, elders and religious leaders who have also voiced concern over the fighting.

The Premier asked both sides to respect the terms of the truce signed last year. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is yet to respond on the matter even as calls for deployment of the National army in the area intensify.

Former Puntland President and current presidential candidate Abdirahman Faroole Monday asked President Mohamud to visit Galkaayo and lead ceasefire talks.

“President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should come here. There are a number of things which need to be addressed. There are suspicions between both sides so the President must come to mediate talks,” said Faroole.

An elder, Ahmed Adan Samatar asked both the two factions in the fight to end the vicious killings which have led to losses of lives of many civilians. “At the end you are brothers. Please respect the children and civilians and stop killing each other,” said Samatar.