President Ahmed Islam Madobe of the semiautonomous region of Puntland has vowed that there would be no elections in Gedo until the government removes its troops from the region.
Madobe made this vow on Tuesday October 6 while addressing the 3rd Session of the Jubbaland Assembly, which was held in Kismayo.
The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) deployed Somali National Army (SNA) troops to Gedo region to deal with the issues of insecurity.
SNA troops continue carrying out their missions in the region.
Consequently, the Jubbaland forces have not taken the presence of SNA troops kindly. Both sides have been caught up in conflicts ever since.
Madobe said that Gedo region would only be able to hold elections once SNA troops are withdrawn from the area.
Moreover, he said that the troops must hand over power fully to his administration before elections take place.
Somalia is scheduled to hold parliamentary and local council elections in December 2021 before presidential polls follow in March 2021.