Opposition politician Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has warned that fighting which erupted on Tuesday in southern Galkayo could have serious consequences and push Somalia onto a dangerous path.
At least seven people were injured in clashes that broke out at around 4:00 p.m. local time in southern Galkayo after armed clan militias from the Galmudug side of the city confronted security forces described as Galmudug police escorting a convoy carrying weapons and ammunition.
According to local sources, the fighting began after Sa’ad clan militias of the Habar Gidir intercepted two vehicles transporting the military supplies under police escort.
The shipment, which reportedly included various types of ammunition and military uniforms, had been unloaded at Galmudug’s airport in southern Galkayo.
Abdirahman Abdishakur, a member of Somalia’s expired-term federal parliament and one of the country’s leading opposition figures, blamed the crisis on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose constitutional mandate has expired.
“Hassan Sheikh, whose constitutional term has expired, has plunged Galmudug into two dangerous crises: a fraudulent election that has deepened political division and instability, and escalating tensions that risk igniting conflict between Galmudug and Puntland,” Abdishakur said.
He warned that the violence in Galkayo could undermine years of peacebuilding efforts.
“The fighting that erupted today in South Galkayo is a stark warning of the consequences of this dangerous course. It threatens to unravel years of hard-won peace, reconciliation, and coexistence between the brotherly communities of Galkayo,” he posted on X.
According to reports, the military shipment originated in Mogadishu and was allegedly being transported toward northern Galkayo, which is administered by Puntland.
The area has recently witnessed heightened tensions between Puntland security forces and fighters loyal to Asad Diyaano, commonly known as the Puntland Security Force (PSF), who have previously claimed to receive support from the Federal Government.
Abdishakur, who hails from Galmudug, urged traditional elders, religious leaders, youth, women and the wider Galkayo community not to be drawn into violence or political division.
“Peace, coexistence, and the protection of innocent lives must take precedence over political disputes.,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Puntland Government condemned what it described as the Federal Government’s transfer of weapons and troops into Puntland territory.
In a statement issued by the Puntland Presidency, authorities praised forces on the Galmudug side for intercepting the shipment, which Puntland alleged was destined for areas under its administration.
Puntland also called on its residents to remain vigilant against what it described as efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to fuel conflict in Galmudug.
Update: The Galmudug side presented this vehicle which they said was carrying weapons airlifted from Mogadishu into Galkayo south on Tuesday.
At least two people were injured after brief gunfight between Galmudug Darwish officers and police officers guarding the weapons and… https://t.co/94JkKRg9uA pic.twitter.com/eD3XM9857j
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