Ahlu Sunna Paramilitaries Capture Guriceel

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Eighteen months after Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a militias were disbanded, Guriceel a district in Galgudud was captured by paramilitaries loyal to the leader of Ahlu Sunna Sheikh Shakir.

Sheikh Shakir, the leader of Ahlu Sunna reportedly returned to Guriceel

The fall of Guriceel undermined the authority of Galmudug State whose leaders are now putting efforts into operations to retake the district.

The Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble has called for peaceful solution to the renewed conflict that may affect electoral preparations underway in Galmudug.

“Roble has questioned the legitimacy of Galmudug administration because he failed to denounce Ahlu Sunna’s belligerence” said Issa Adan, a journalist in Mogadishu.

The conflict in Galmudug proves a new challenge for Roble who oversees electoral security. Unsubstantiated reports indicate that Ahlu Sunna militias received arms and ammunitions sent through a neighbouring Federal Member State.

Somali Presidential Candidates have urged Ahlu Sunna and Galmudug leadership to cease hostilities.

© Puntland Post, 2021