On Saturday, leaders from Ahlu-Salan handed themselves over to the government of Somalia. The leaders took this bold step after fighting in central Somalia caused the death of 22 people.
The leaders, Sheikh Mohamed Shakir and Moallim Mohamud Sheikh, surrendered to the national army in Dhusamareb.
This followed an intense battle with security forces who overpowered them.
The newly elected president’s spokesperson, Osman Isse Nur, said, “The standoff with ASWJ is over after our troops disarmed all the group’s militias.”
Sheikh Shakir said, “We ended the fighting to stop inflicting more harm to local civilians. We surrendered to the government who are now responsible for the safety of all our members.”
Three leaders have been competing for the mantle of being the leader of Galmudug State. Early this month, Galmudug parliament elected the state’s new president, Ahmed Abdi Kariye.
Thereafter, Sheikh Shakir opposed that move and proclaimed himself the president. In the meantime, the outgoing president, Ahmed Duale, said he would not cede power.