Jubbaland regional state of Somalia security minister, Abdirashid Janan was put into custody by security agencies in Mogadishu on Saturday.
Janan is wanted by Interpol for “committed crimes” against the people of Gedo and neighboring zones, according to the Minister. Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mohamud Abdikadir Hilaal.
Officials in Kismayo said Janan was in Luuq for the past two days before the news of his custody in the capital.
The arrest follows strained relations between the Federal Government and Jubbaland state due to the disputed regional leadership elections which Ahmed Mohamed Islam was re-elected on 22nd August for the third term in office.
Somali cabinet meeting on Thursday backed the decision by the Interior Ministry that dismissed the results.
The Ministry earlier warned that the selection process of the regional assembly members was not in line with the election guidelines as per the federal government.
A Letter from Ahmed Mohamed Islam office on Friday urged the government of President Farmajo and Prime Minister Kheyre to embark on reconciliation efforts to resolve the difference.
President Madobe letter also condemned what it termed as the unnecessary restricts of flights to the interim regional state capital.
Somali aviation authorities directed all international flights mainly from the regional neighboring countries to pass Mogadishu before they continue their journey to Kismayo for clearance.
