Heavily armed Puntland opposition fighters began a military movement in Garowe on Sunday morning, accusing regional President Said Abdullahi Deni of deploying additional troops and army vehicles into the town, which serves as the administrative capital of Puntland.
The forces held positions near the Addun hotel but later retreated to their bases after traditional elders intervened in the matter. The military movement has prompted many families to flee their homes out of fear of impending conflict.
According to residents, people are deeply concerned about the outcome of Monday’s parliamentary debate on amendments to the election rules.
The army movements come a day after Puntland regional state President Said Abdullahi Deni called for dialogue with the opposition after they unilaterally announced a parliamentary and presidential elections schedule.
President Deni expressed his willingness to negotiate to prevent further clashes over the regional election scheduled for early next year. He emphasized that he is ready to comply if defeated in the dialogue.
On the 20th of June this year, a clash between government forces and the army loyal to the opposition in Garowe resulted in the death of more than 30 people, mostly civilians. No one has yet been held accountable for the casualties among the civilians.
