There is ongoing conflict in the Sanaag region, particularly in the village of Ceelbuh, between forces from Puntland and those led by the former speaker of the Puntland Parliament, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil.
According to reports, a clash there has resulted in the death and injury of civilians. The Puntland forces are said to have gone there to prevent a self-determination conference that was scheduled to take place in the Ceelbuh area.
It is understood that Puntland has sent troops to the area to confront politicians affiliated with the Federal Government of Somalia, who are accused of trying to include Sanaag region in the SSC Khaatumo administration.
There are strong fears that direct fighting could break out between the two forces there, with Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, the former speaker of the Puntland Parliament, present.
Abdirashid is one of the leading politicians campaigning for Sanaag to be part of the SSC Khaatumo administration.
The President and Vice President of Puntland recently accused the Federal Government of Somalia of political interference and instigation in the Sanaag region, using politicians from the region.
Meanwhile, elders and intellectuals in the Sanaag region have launched peace efforts, temporarily suspending the planned self-determination conference in Elbuh, to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
