Puntland bars Somali PM from traveling to their region

Galka’yo – The Puntland semi-autonomous state in northern Somalia has prevented Somalia’s prime minister from travelling to its region Thursday amid territorial dispute with its neighboring central government-backed Galmudug state following this week’s clashes in Galkayo town that left 10 people dead.

PM Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke’s planned visit to the restive Galkayo town was cancelled after Puntland officials protested his visit which they referred as ‘unrewarding, according to officials.

Sources in Mogadishu told the media that the prime minister has cancelled his trip upon receiving an official letter from Puntland government which reportedly barred him from visiting the town.

Mr. Sharmarke was reportedly planning to meet officials and elders from the two sides to defuse the tension which risks further clashes between the two sides.

The development raises serious questions about the troubled relations between Puntland and the central Somali government which is trying to push for greater collaborations with the regional administrations.

Puntland often tries to evade the central government’s influence in its internal affairs, by maintaining its independent government and financial system.

Despite recent ceasefire deal by local elders, fears of fighting lingers the town as military build-up could be seen on the front lines Thursday. However, traditional elders called for cessation of

hostility and urged the two sides to end their dispute through talks.

Galkayo town is divided into two zones, where the northern portion forms part of Puntland state, while its southern part is governed by the Galmudug administration.