Hiiraan Online
Thursday, December 03, 2015
IGAD envoy to Somalia Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Further deadly clashes in the central Somali town of Galkayo that killed civilians and displaced thousands would violate international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes, IGAD warned of Somali leaders.
Speaking at a ceremony at which Puntland and its neighbouring Galmudug administration signed a peace deal following clashes that killed at least 20 people since last week on Wednesday, Mohamed Abdi Affey, the special envoy of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sent an unequivocal message to Somali leaders: Stop the bloodshed, or face war crimes.
Despite the signing of a peace deal, conflict has continued as clashes resumed Thursday as the two sides shelled residential areas. The latest clashes killed at least 9 people, including civilians.
“Massacre will not stop without accountability – there’s no way we can allow the impunity to continue.” Said Ambassador Affey.
Mr. Affey called on Somali leaders to adhere to international law, and "make good" on their commitment to peace, warning that leaders found committing war crimes would likely be referred to the international Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague.
“How many years the civilians are being massacred? This bloodshed will stop the day we see a leader being tried at Hague for war crimes he committed.” He said angrily.
The clashes that involved trucks mounted with machine guns and anti-aircraft rockets erupted after an argument involving the construction of a new road by Puntland in the town, which was halted by Galmudug forces.
The development is a major breakthrough which officials said could help ending the clashes that risked leading to clannish warfare in a country which is recovering from decades of civil war.
Galkayo town is divided into two zones, where the northern portion forms part of Puntland state, while its southern part is governed by the Galmudug administration.