MOGADISHU-Former Presidents of Puntland regional State Abdirahman Farole and Abdiweli Mohamed Gaas accompanied by Ex-Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmake have landed at Garowe Airport and were received by Puntland Vice- president Ahmed Elmi Osman.
The delegation is on a peace mission to resolve the fighting and the dispute surrounding the sacking of PSF firmer Commander Mohamed Osman Diyano who has refused to hand over responsibility after his removal by President Said Abdullahi Deni.
Heavy fighting has been witnessed in the port city of Bosaso where fighting between Puntland security forces supporting president Said Abdullahi Deni and US trained forces loyal to dismissed commandant Mohamed Osman Diyano raged on for three days.
Ten people including a child are reported to have been killed in the three dsys offensive between the two regional rival forces
According to local reports, Puntland forces reportedly attacked the bases and positions controlled by the PSF leading to a confrontation between the two rival forces.
Sources close to the fighting said that the two warring factions used heavy weaponry and artillery in the fight as residents in the besieged neighborhood fleed from their homes for fear of being caught in the gun clashes.
Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had called for immediate ceasefire on the besieged town of Bosaso Puntland State where fighting is ongoing between Puntland regular security forces supporting president Said Abdullahi Deni and PSF anti-terror unit allied to dismissed commander Mohamed Osman Diyano for the third day running.
“I urge the community elders, local leaders and all the people from all walks of life to intervene and immediately stop the fighting and give consensus a chance to resolve the stalemate,”said Farmajo.
President Farmajo also conveyed his condolences to all the people who lost their lives in the fighting that began on Tuesday as each side blamed each other for igniting the fight.
Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Mudane Maxamed Cabdullaahi Farmaajo waxaa uu ka tiiraanyaysan yahay shaqaaqada iyo dagaalka ka socda magaalada Boosaaso, kaasoo sababay dhimasho, dhaawac, burbur hantiyeed iyo barakac muwaadiniin aan waxba galabsan.
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) December 22, 2021
The US Embassy in Mogadishu in a statement carried on their Twitter handle on Tuesday evening also called for immediate cease fire and said that continued fighting could precipitate catastrophes.
We urge an immediate end to hostilities in Bossaso and a return to dialogue to find a negotiated, peaceful resolution. Continued fighting will only inflict further harm on Bossaso and its people.
— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) December 21, 2021
“We urge an immediate end to hostilities in Bossaso and a return to dialogue to find a negotiated, peaceful resolution. Continued fighting will only inflict further harm on Bossaso and its people.”
