Puntland politicians accuse Speaker Samatar of ‘instigating’ Bosaso clashes

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Farole and Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, and other senior politicians, including former Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad, have issued a statement condemning the visit of the First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of the Federal Parliament to Bosaso.

The politicians accused Sadiya Yassin Samatar of “violating the country’s system of government”, which resulted in the infighting between Puntland Forces and the PSF leading to the deaths and injuries of scores of soldiers.

“It is clear that the incident was the responsibility of the First Deputy Speaker of the House of the People Sadiya Salad Samatar by violating the country’s system of government,” read part of the statement.

“Puntland has an elected administration and they are the most important part of the relationship between the Federal Government of Somalia and

Puntland and anything that may impede the cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia and the State Governments must be avoided,” added the statement.

The statement also expressed regret over the incident, calling on government and Puntland officials to address the issue.

Finally, the leaders called on all parts of Puntland, especially Bosaso to maintain peace, stability and good governance.

Speaking after the incident in Bosaso, the first deputy speaker of parliament said she had informed Puntland officials of her impending visit to Bosaso, but the governor of Bari region and Puntland ministers have since distanced themselves from the claims.