We are destroying generations-Galmudug Senator Axmad, calls for end to Galkaayo conflict

my-photo-for-press-release — The Senator expressed concern the perennial fighting in Galkaayo risks destroying generations and condemning families into vicious cycle of poverty. October 7, 2016|Photo: Courtesy

Galmudug Senator Abshir Axmad has called for an immediate end to the fighting in Galkaayo which Sunday claimed at least 20 lives and injured over 80 others as ceasefire signed last week collapsed.

In a statement to newsrooms Monday, Axmad said the fighting was not only resulting in loss of lives and property but also robbing families and communities of a future.

“Dozens of lives continue to be lost and property of immense value destroyed with the net effect of a disintegrated society and a bleak future for generations to come. It is not lost on any of the warring factions that those who get killed are our children, parents, spouses and relatives,” the Senator said.

The Senator added livelihoods were being destroyed as families are deprived of breadwinners. ‘We are fast creating a generation of orphaned children, single parent families and ultimately a society steeped in vicious cycle of poverty.”

Multiple reports from Galkaayo Sunday indicate at least 20 people were killed and about 80 others injured as forces from Puntland and Galmudug exchanged heavy artillery. The fighting was further escalated as both regional states traded accusations despite a UAE brokered peace deal last week.

A journalist, Mahad Ali Mohamed from a local radio station was among those killed. Voice of Mudug radio director Mahamd Abdi Farah told Goobjoog News the reporter was hit a bullet on the head while covering the conflict.

Senator Axmad has called on fellow senators from Galmudug to immediately travel to Galkaayo to engage with their Puntland counterparts to find an immediate end to the fighting.

“I call on fellow Senators from Galmudug we make an urgent visit to Galkaayo and engage with the leadership of Puntland so that we can immediately bring the fighting to an end as we endevour to find a lasting solution,” he observed.

“More than 80,000 people were displaced from Galkaayo town in Mudug region since armed violence broke out on Oct. 7,” the UN Humanitarian agency, OCHA said in a report last week.