Ahlu Sunna withdraws from guriel

by: Staff Reporter | 27 October 2021 14:19

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Ahlu Sunna withdraws from guriel

GURIEL (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's moderate Islamist, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) has withdrawn from Guriel town in Galgadud region following talks brokered by the local business community, ending days of bloodshed in Galmudug federal stat

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GURIEL (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's moderate Islamist, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) has withdrawn from Guriel town in Galgadud region following talks brokered by the local business community, ending days of bloodshed in Galmudug federal state.

Multiple sources confirmed that the withdrawal of Ahlu Sunna forces from Guriel district came after local businessmen and politicians facilitated talks to secure a safe passage for the group.

Fighters loyal to ASWJ retreated north to the nearby village of Godwiil, leaving their strongholds in the northern part of the city within the university area. The group previously defied a government ultimatum to leave the town on Sunday.

The group left behind two military vehicles belonging to government forces which were captured during last month’s clashes in Bohol.

In an interview with the local media, President Abdi Karie Qoorqoor confirmed that the group agreed to leave Guriel town following night-long talks.

"They have left town today morning, reportedly heading north to an area called Godwiil,” Mr Qoorqoor said. "The town is now under the control of pro-Galmudug forces, and the people who had fled town are now trickling back.”

It was unclear what offers the group agreed to or if there would be further negotiations.

The development comes hours after Galmudug president Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor blamed Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (ASWJ) for the deadly fighting that has broken out in Guriel over the weekend.

Galmudug President defended the move to deploy a military offensive against Ahlu Sunna Waljaama, noting all diplomatic options were exhausted before the decisive action.

Ahlu Sunna group released a statement Tuesday saying it welcomed the calls for peace from all quarters and also said it recognizes the existence of the Galmudug State.