African Union Forces Arrived In Galmudug State Capital

African Union peacekeepers from Djibouti contingent arrived Dhusamareb town on Saturday.

The contingent is there to support Somali security forces recently deployed in the area in securing the venue of upcoming reconciliation conference before upcoming regional elections in Galmudug State.

Cheering residents greeted Djibouti troops outside the town.

Minister for Internal Security, Mohamed Abukar Islow told the media following a brief meeting with AMISOM officials that the peacekeeping force will help Somali security agencies maintain law and order in the state during elections.

“Our brothers from Djibouti who are part of AMISOM peacekeepers are here to help us strengthen peace and stability in the state.” Somali National Army 21st Division commander, Abdulaziz Abdullahi Qooje has said.

General Qooje who dismissed reports of opposition to the deployment of the Djibouti contingent added that Hiil Walaal “Brother’s keeper” will be responsible to secure key government installations in the Galmudug state.

Security agencies from the Federal Government have fully taken the responsibility of security in Galmudug state following an agreement between Ahlu Suna religious movement and Federal government led by Prime Minister, Hassan Kheyre.

A Reconciliation conference to unearth political differences among various communities in the state are expected to kick off in the administrative capital of Dhusamareb in forthcoming days before regional leadership elections are planned.