Somalia: Puntland Media Bias News About Taleex Attack - VP Returns to Taleh, Govt Cancels Unauthorized Conference

Garowe — The Vice President of Puntland Government in northern Somalia Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire Thursday returned to Sool regional district of Taleh as the Government cancelled a proposed 'Khaatumo conference 3', Garowe Online reports.

Gen. Shire who recently arrived in the capital Garowe following the conclusion of reconciliation conference in Taleh was cordially welcomed to his hometown.

Independent sources tell Garowe Online that the presence of militias loyal to Mohamed Yusuf Jama Indho-Sheel, leader of the self-declared Khaatumo State in Taleh and attack on Tukaraq custom-duty prompted the Vice President's sudden return.

Gunmen are said to have opened fire on a motorcade carrying Gen. Shire's delegation including former parliamentarians, ministers and traditional elders with witnesses reporting several casualties.

The situation returned to normalcy and the Vice President is currently holding discussions with the community leaders, politicians and traditional elders according to Puntland Government officials.

Unauthorized conference cancelled

The proposed 'Khaatumo Conference 3' has been cancelled by Puntland Government as dissimilar views on the future of Khaatumo loom.

Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire, himself who hails from the region declared: "There will be no Khatumo Conference held in Taleh district, so please do not lie and disappoint the people. Taleh is part of Puntland State," while he was speaking at a press conference in Taleh earlier this month.

Continuing, he stressed the need for Puntland unity urging the public to work together in spirit of brotherhood.

The elders and politicians of Dhulbahante clan that resides Sool region and Buhodle area disagreed over the conference in Taleh district, 90 km northwest of the capital Garowe after allegations against Khaatumo founders, mainly politicians from the Diaspora community surfaced.

Since 2002, Puntland and Somaliland in northern Somalia have engaged in sporadic clashes over control of parts of Sool and Sanaag regions, with Somaliland forces militarily seizing Las Anod - capital of Sool region - on October 15, 2007.

The incumbent Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire are running for second term in office, against a number of presidential contenders.