Mogadishu-A joint IGAD-UNSOM mission visited Garowe, and Hargeisa, from 28 to 30 July 2018, to take forward ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Tukaraq area of Sool region. In Garowe, the mission held discussions with Mr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas, And Mr Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar and Traditional Elders from the Sool region. In Hargeisa, they met with Mr Muse Bihi Abdi, And Mr Saad Shire, and other members of the Hargeisa, administration together with members of the two Houses of Parliament, as well as leaders of the Ucid and Wadani opposition political parties, representatives from civil society and a committee of Hargeisa,
Elders and entrepreneurs who are working with their counterparts from Bari region to de-escalate tensions and create conditions that should allow a peaceful solution and restore the free flow of people, goods and services between Bari region and. North Somalia mission members discussed with the interlocutors some ideas on how they could work towards resolving the Tukaraq crisis and exchanged views on the way forward.
The discussions were held in a very positive atmosphere. The leaders of both Hargeisa and Garowe and all other interlocutors from both sides reiterated their commitment to finding a peaceful solution. They openly explained their positions, welcomed the ideas from the joint mission as a good basis for taking forward the ongoing search for a solution, and shared additional ideas for consideration.
The joint IGAD-UN team will now further elaborate the emerging ideas and clarify issues that came up during the discussions, with a view to returning to Bari region and North Somalia for further discussions in the coming days and weeks.