Puntland Soldiers stage mutiny over unpaid salaries

The unrest comes weeks after Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked the main prison in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, freeing at least 400 militant inmates during the gunfight with jail guards.

News Keydmedia Online
28 March 2021

GAROWE, Somalia - Members of Puntland regional forces have staged a surprising mutiny on Sunday to press the regional government for the payment of salary arrears.

KON’s correspondent in the northeastern region reported that the soldiers blocked the main Garowe- Galkayo street, firing shots into the air, barring local officials from accessing the road for a few hours.

Negotiations had begun between the mutineers and Puntland authorities to return to their barracks and end the mutiny which caused panic among the civilians, special those traveling in the blocked street.

The unrest comes weeks after Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked the main prison in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, freeing at least 400 militant inmates during the gunfight with jail guards.

There has been unrest in Puntland for the past months after protests against high inflation and currency devaluation broke out in the state’s largest cities, including Garowe which hosts the government.

The region’s leader Said Abdullahi Deni is stuck in the Halane complex for weeks after the international partners urged the heads of the Federal States to stay in Mogadishu until the election deal is reached.

KEYDMEDIA English