The Commander of the Danab Army, General Jimcaale Jamaac Takar, arrived in Garowe tonight, following talks reported to have made progress between him and Puntland President Said Deni.
General Jimcaale’s return came after mediation efforts by a committee from the Nugaal region, which was tasked with resolving a long-standing dispute between the two sides.
Reports from the talks indicate that the Puntland government and General Jimcaale have reached a preliminary understanding, although a formal and detailed agreement has not yet been announced.
Sources close to the parties said that the points raised in the talks include that General Jimcaale renounces ties and military plans with the Federal Government of Somalia, while his forces are given their rights within Puntland.
Also, reports indicate that President Said Abdullahi Deni is working to have General Jimale recognized as the highest military rank, with the parties recognizing that the security of Puntland is a shared responsibility of all Puntland citizens.
The mediation in this matter was led by a committee headed by the former President of Puntland, Senator Abdirahman Faroole, who has been trying to bring the two sides closer together.
The talks are expected to continue until a final agreement is reached, although there are still points that need to be understood by both parties.
However, Gen. Jimale, who was recently reported to have been appointed as the commander of the 54th Division of the Somali National Army, although his appointment has not been officially announced, has troops in Garowe who are paid by the Federal Government of Somalia.
