Mahiga warns Al-Shabaab is Heading to Somaliland and Puntland
Hargeisa (SDN) -Augustine Mahiga the African Union’s special envoy to Somalia raised concerns over Al-Shabaab’s presence in Somaliland and the region of Puntland where believes they may be hiding.
Ambassador Mahiga told VOA Somalia today following his visit to Somaliland’s capital on Friday that Al-Shabaab is on the run after being defeated in south central Somalia by African Union troops. He stated that members of Al-Shabaab are trying to flee north to Puntland and Somaliland and pose a serious risk to the safety and security of the people there.
While in Hargeisa the ambassador met with the President of Somaliland and other government officials where they discussed various matters including a request by the President of Somaliland to lift the arms embargo on Somalia. Somaliland’s southern neighbour has been the scene of recurring violence over the years as the transitional federal government struggles to gain control over its territories. It remains unclear if lifting the arms embargo will help or hinder the quest for peace in Somalia.
SDN, Hargeisa