Ahlu-Sunna is ready to talk with Galmudug, says Somali parliament speaker

Federal Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari said Somalia-based Sufi Islamist group accepted to hold talks with Galmudug state.

The speaker said that sufi armed group Ahlu Suna Wal Jama has okayed to end political standoff and start talks with Galmudug regional state.

“Ahlu Sunna is always ready to negotiate with Galmudug state  to solve the differences, officials of the group stressed their desire to talk to Galmudug therefore this shows the willingness of the group to solve the problems” he said.

He exuded confident that the deadlock between the group and the state government can be solved through dialogue.

On Thursday the speaker has paid surprise visit to the central town, a move that he termed as ‘a peace journey’ to end the region’s tension.

Hundreds of demonstrators yesterday staged a rally in Galkayo town, to protest against the visit by Somali parliament speaker to Ahlu Sunna controlled town of Dhusamareb.

Speaking at a press conference in Adado, both Jubbaland and Galmudug leaders Ahmed Madobe and Abdikarim Hussein Guled said Jawari’s trip to Dhusamareb will “undermine” peace and not help find a solution to rivalry.

The protestors said they are supporting decision by Jubbaland and Galmudug states that condemned the speaker’s arrival in Dhusamareb held by Ahlu Sunna administration.