Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has called for an immediate end to armed conflict between Somaliland and Puntland forces over the disputed border town of Tukaraq that resumed on Tuesday.
In a statement Farmaajo asked elders from both sides to negotiate for peace and “agreeable co-existence” and “respect the sanctity of life”
“The hostilities in Tukaraq must cease immediately, it has already caused death and damage, it is senseless and must stop.” Farmaajo said in a statement shared to newsrooms.
A combative President of the breakaway region of Somaliland had earlier declared victory in the Tuesday fighting.
“They intruded us. We have fought them, repulsed them and impounded their weapons.If they want war we are ready. I will teach them the lesson that I taught Afweyne(Siad Barre)” Bihi threatened in his Somaliland National Day address.
This is the first time that the President has addressed the Tukaruq conflict which erupted in January while he was on a tour of Garowe less than 90km from the disputed border town.
UN’s Chief in Somalia Michael Keating had visited both Somaliland and Puntland presidents in an effort to avert farther conflict.
At least 4 people were killed and dozens injured in the Tuesday fighting.
