Puntland ‘gravely concerned’ by Gedo situation

The president of Somalia’s Puntland regional state Said Abdullahi Deni has expressed “grave concern” about the unfolding tension in Gedo region.

Part of Jubaland regional state, Gedo region has witnessed recurring tensions since August 2019 following the re-election of Ahmed Islam Madobe as the regional state’s president.

The tensions have been reignited in recent days after Madobe appointed Abdullahi Abdi Jama as Gedo mayor despite calls for reconciliation before such a move is made.

The incumbent mayor Ahmed Bule Gareed has rejected the new mayor’s appointment as illegal.

“Puntland state is gravely concerned by the insecurity and political instability in Gedo region,” Deni told the regional parliament on Wednesday.

He accused the federal government of “suppressing” Gedo region like its predecessor before.

Mogadishu is yet to comment on the situation in Gedo.

Deni, previously a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland’s Madobe, has in recent months fallen out with the duo over a wide range of issues.