Somalia prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has welcomed the joint efforts by his government and the opposition to demilitarize Mogadishu barely ten days after armed conflict which placed thousands hit the capital.
Roble who spoke to the media after inking conflict resolution deal with the opposition said the move would help the government conduct peaceful, free and fair elections.
“I commend all the efforts to demilitarize Mogadishu and see an amicable end to the conflict. This is a good step towards peace and stability. We must all work towards achieving this goal,” said the premier.
Following two days discussions between members of technical committee appointed by the prime minister, the leaders of Council of Presidential Candidates (CPC) and the government have agreed on a process to withdraw forces from Mogadishu.
The agreement directs all security forces who entered Mogadishu as a result of the recent violence to be returned to their bases and be removed from the city within 48 hours with the effect of Wednesday.
The leaders agreed that neither side should be punished for partaking in the fighting.
“The rights of these forces, such as salaries, ranks and responsibilities, will not be affected by the violence in Mogadishu, and that no action can be taken against that incident,” a statement from the meeting read in part.
The agreement also demands all military vehicles and weapons seized during the fight be returned.
Hundreds of Somali National Army soldiers allied to the opposition vacated their camps in Middle Shabelle late last month and moved to Mogadishu to reinforce opposition militias who had already massed up following heightened disputes between the opposition and the government.
On 25th of last month, rival SNA soldiers clashed in the capital following Somali lower house decision to extend the term of president Mohamed Abdullahi by two years.
The clashes forced over 60,000 people to flee from their houses in Mogadishu.
