Somalia: Warlord Qaybdid has officially joined Puntland – What is the offer

Somali Warlord Abdi Qaybdiid who used to claim to be the President of Galmudug state has turned to Puntland, when the Somali Federal Government gave him minimal relationship.

The conflict between Qaybdiid and SFG came when the government has learnt that he gave safe heaven to Al Shabaab Militia with 10 armoured vehicles.

SNTV, state-run TV aired the map where the militia, led by Abdiaziz Abdullahi aka Qooje Dagaari, stays in Hobyo town.  Qaybdiid was the one who allow them to use it as a safe heaven.  Qooje Dagaari hails from Habargedir, Sa’ad, Rer Hilowle, which the same sub-clan Qaybdiid belongs to. 

Qaybdiid has lodged an attack against SFG through the media, saying that their relationship with them has come to an end.  His remarks came shortly after he reached a deal with Puntland President Abdiweli Gaas.  Waagacusub media has learnt that Puntland has offered Vice President, two ministers, and three deputy ministers to Qaybdiid, together with undisclosed amount of money.  All these are subject to fail the efforts by Habargedir clan to establish administration in central Somalia.

Ali Diriye Allore, an elder who is Qaybdiid’s clan-mate with a reputation of closely working with Puntland, said through the media that there’ll be no such Habargedir meeting that can be held in Adado, and proactively rejected its outcome.  SFG directly supports Galmudug Administration led by President Mohamud Elmi. 

Abdi Qaybdiid has a history of confrontation and destruction of administration such as SNA of General Aideed.  Qaybdiid arrived Galkayo shortly after Galmudug signed the roadmap of the Somali politics, and claimed to be the president.  Since then, Galmudug has lost its status and the speedy progress in the areas of the administration.

It is not clear what will happen when Qaybdiid announces his intention to join Puntland, but it may, most likely, result all out war between Habargedir and Majeerteen.  That is why Abdiweli Gaas has selected Qaybdiid who is a known warmonger whom he can use to fight with Hawiye.