The Vice President (VP) of Puntland, Ahmed Osman Karaash, urges Somaliland to withdraw their troops from the city of Erigavo (Ceerigaabo). Mr Karaash has accused Somaliland of causing problems and creating conflicts among the residents of Erigavo in the Sanaag region.
Garowe, Puntland, SOMALIA.
In a statement on his Facebook profile, Vice President Karaash expressed concern over the actions of the Somaliland administration over the past few days. He emphasised the need for immediate withdrawal of the troops that Somaliland brought from Oog to the south of Erigavo, warning that failure to do so would result in consequences that Somaliland would not appreciate.
“We call upon the authorities [in Somaliland] to withdraw their troops [they moved] from the Oog area to the south of Erigabo, where they have harassed the local population. If they disregard this call, they will face undesirable consequences and bear the responsibility,” stated the Vice President of Puntland.
The appeal comes in a reaction to last week’s conflict between the local population sympathising with SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland troops in Erigavo. Somaliland’s security forces claimed they were combatting the influx of illegal substances (such as alcohol) into the city as their reason for the attack. However, many believe Somaliland intended to expand the conflict with SSC-Khaatumo by engaging Erigavo’s residents.
Puntland’s role praised
Vice President Karaash has been very active throughout the conflict and has been a strong supporter of SSC-Khaatumo. When the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, was absent from the region due to his diplomatic working trip, Mr Karaash visited the SSC region. He inspected the military, surveyed the battle areas, visited villages, and engaged with the local population.
Even the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the self-declared state of Somaliland, Abdirizak Khalif Ahmed, praised the overall Puntland’s role in liberating SSC-Khaatumo. Mr Khalif highlighted the role of President Deni, commending his efforts in the SSC-Khaatumo region.
