Garowe (KAAB TV) – Tensions escalated in the capital city of Puntland, Garowe, on Saturday as a local armed militia took control of key roadways leading to the city, obstructing access to and from the city.
The gunmen, which opposed the planned local elections in the region, are allegedly receiving financial support from the federal government in Mogadishu, raising concerns about possible violence ahead of the polling next week.
The armed men drawn mainly from Puntland armed forces are in strong opposition to the current administration, set up roadblocks on major routes leading into Garowe, effectively isolating the Garowe city from the rest of the region.
The move caused significant disruption to transportation and trade, leaving residents and businesses in a state of fear and uncertainty.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the militia’s opposition to the local elections stems from their belief that president Said Abdullahi Deni might be using the upcoming council elections to extend his term in office.
Deni’s term is set to elapse in January 2024.
The Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) yesterday announced that the election will be held on time on Thursday 25 May 2023 and called all political sides to keep peace and stability.
However, local politicians and clan elders have come out publicly to denounce the federal government in Mogadishu which they say is attempting to exert influence over Puntland’s local governance, undermining the nascent democracy of the region.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting financial support from Mogadishu to opposition politicians who have been assisting the armed men to group in Garowe. These claims have raised concerns among local residents, who fear that the electoral process might be turn violent.
Last week, at least three people – two police officers and a young boy – were killed after a fighting erupted outside a security checkpoint near Garowe Airport after troops escorting vehicles carrying the ballot boxes were attacked by gunmen loyal to opposition politicians.
Puntland’s interior minister Abdi Said Juha condemned the actions of the armed men and vowed to take legal action against the perpetrators.
Puntland state of Somalia has issued an order for the immediate arrest of four politicians including the former Minister of Finance of Puntland, Hassan Shire Abgaal, the Federal Presidential Adviser, Khadar Faroole, former Minister Mahmoud Shido, and Mohamed Jama Farah. All four were alleged to have orchestrated the deadly fight near the airport.
As tensions persist and the roadblocks continue to hinder movement, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. The people of Garowe anxiously await a resolution to this impasse, hoping that their voices will be heard in the upcoming local elections and that their region’s move to democracy will be preserved.
The federal government in Mogadishu has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations of funding the armed militia opposing the planned local elections. However, the claims have further strained the already complex relationship between the federal government and regional administrations, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining a unified and stable Somalia.