By M.A. Egge
The Somaliland government has revealed that they have reached to the neighbouring Somali state of Ethiopia as concerns the spate of violence that erupted at Da’awaley in Harshin district of the Somali state of Ethiopia that threatens the cross-border harmonious setting of the pastoral residents that has claimed lives and left several injured.
The Somaliland Minister of Interior Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab a.k.a. Sandeere said that they have made efforts as a government to quell the violence hence has reached to their counterparts in the neighbouring country.
He appealed for calm and asked the residents of the area to keep their cool as the matter is being addressed by the concerned government of Ethiopia.
He made the appeal through a press conference he called last evening in his office.
“I would like to inform you about the violence that has escalated in the fifth district, where the Somali regional government forces and people from the area fought, which resulted in casualties, deaths and injuries, and serious violence. I express my deepest condolences to the victims of the deaths and injuries. When we learned of this incident, we contacted the authorities of the Somali state of Ethiopia. We noted that since they are responsible for the people of the area, they should address the matter and calm the situation”.
Public works minister Hon. Hussein Aideed and Sports and Youth Deputy Minister Hon. Yusuf Nouh Yusuf a.k.a. Tadase who flanked the minister at the presser also expressed similar sentiments.
They all sent their condolences to the scores reportedly dead following the skirmishes and wished quick recovery to the injured.
People who were injured in the fighting in Da’awaley area have been taken to Bali-gubadle town hospital in Haut region for medical attendance.
The interior minister briefed the nation on the situation of the conflict that occurred in the area that pitted the Ethiopian regional government Liyuu police force and one of the clans of the Somali regional government, which resulted in the clash with a number of deaths and injuries.
The minister said that during the discussions with the security officials of the Somali regional government, they agreed to protect the people and that the authorities of the area.
He added that they have sent a large delegation from Somaliland and that the government is saddened by what happened.
He urged the people living in the area where the violence occurred to remain calm and maintain peace.