Preparations are underway in Galkayo for the arrival of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is expected to reach the Mudug regional capital on Monday as part of his ongoing overland tour of central Somalia.
President Hassan Sheikh is travelling with a delegation that includes Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie Qoor Qoor, senior military officers, federal ministers and other government officials. The delegation departed from Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, and is continuing its journey toward Galkayo.
Security has been tightened across the city ahead of the president’s expected arrival, with additional security measures reported both inside Galkayo and on its outskirts. Images of President Hassan Sheikh and messages welcoming him have also been displayed in parts of the city.
The visit comes amid heightened political and security sensitivities surrounding the president’s planned movement through southern Galkayo, which is administered by Galmudug, while the northern part of the city falls under Puntland.
Galmudug authorities had previously rejected warnings from Puntland concerning the president’s visit, amid reports that Puntland could use military force to prevent Hassan Sheikh from travelling through southern Galkayo.
The president’s tour of Galmudug comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen national security institutions and engage with local communities during his visit to the region.
Mustaqbal
