Somalia: Puntland says it is ready to negotiate with Galmudug state

Garoe – It was only on Sunday when soldiers loyal to Puntland and Galmudug states went into a battle in the town of Galkaio the headquarters of Mudug region in central Somalia.

In the fighting both sides lost number of their men, and on Monday the Minister for Information of Puntland Mr. Mohamoud Hassan Soocade has said that his government is willing to start dialogue with Galmudug state officials.

“We are not at anytime willing or prepared to go into fight with Galmudug and if the officials of Galmudug are ready for a dialogue which we can sort out our differences we are ready to meet them and we really appreciate to see them” said Minister Soocade.

The Minister has also added that one of their principles is to respect the neighbors and peace is their prime motto.

The general situation of Galkaio town is relatively calm with no sounds of bullets being heard by the locals in the town.

The traditional elders from both sides are mediating the armed men from both sides, but they are not in their final stage.

Galkaio town is divided into two sections one section of it comes under Puntland state while the other comes under Galmudug state.