Qoor Qoor Praises Puntland for Gaalkacyo Cooperation Amid Political Tensions
Galmudug President Qoor Qoor has praised Puntland for its cooperation with Galmudug, particularly in Gaalkacyo, while expressing hope that political tensions over Mudug will not damage relations between the two administrations.
Dhuusamareeb, Somali Report – The President of Galmudug State, Ahmed Abdi Karie (Qoor Qoor), has praised the cooperation between Galmudug and Puntland, as the two neighboring administrations face growing political differences and tensions over issues related to the Mudug region.
Qoor Qoor made the remarks last night in Dhuusamareeb during celebrations marking August 14, the anniversary of Galmudug’s establishment. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was also present at the event.
The Galmudug president specifically praised Puntland’s leadership and people for their cooperation with Galmudug, highlighting the city of Gaalkacyo as a key example of successful collaboration between the two administrations.
Qoor Qoor said the cooperation between the two sides in Gaalkacyo has helped maintain peace and security in the city and has strengthened mutual understanding between Galmudug and Puntland.
“Neighboring administrations, particularly Puntland, have worked with us on several issues and we have reached agreements through cooperation. One example is the city of Gaalkacyo, which is unique in Somalia. We viewed it as a key to peace and understanding between the two administrations, and we have succeeded,” Qoor Qoor said.
His comments come at a sensitive time in relations between Galmudug and Puntland. The two administrations have recently exchanged strong accusations over developments in the Mudug region.
Officials from Puntland have raised concerns over reported movements of troops and weapons through airports in areas under Galmudug’s control. Puntland officials have warned against what they describe as attempts to use territories and airports near its borders for activities that could undermine its security and stability.
Galmudug, meanwhile, has maintained that it is focused on strengthening security and stabilizing the central regions of Somalia.
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Despite the political disagreements, Qoor Qoor expressed hope that the current differences would not undermine the longstanding cooperation between Galmudug and Puntland.
“Whatever our political differences may be, I commend the leaders and people of Galmudug and Puntland for the way we cooperate. Gaalkacyo is a special issue that has been handled with consideration, and I hope that cooperation will continue,” he added.
The Galmudug president also called for continued security operations and intensified efforts to combat Al-Shabaab militants operating in Somalia’s central regions.
Qoor Qoor’s remarks appear to reflect an effort to preserve cooperation between Galmudug and Puntland, particularly in the areas of security, peace and local stability, despite broader political disagreements.
Gaalkacyo has long served as an important point of interaction between the two administrations. The city is divided administratively between Galmudug and Puntland, making cooperation between the two sides particularly important for maintaining security, facilitating trade and preventing local disputes from escalating.
The Galmudug leadership considers the experience in Gaalkacyo an example of how the two administrations can work together despite political differences.
The latest remarks could therefore be seen as a call for both sides to protect their existing security cooperation and prevent current political disputes from damaging relations between the neighboring administrations.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.