Somali president orders investigation over Baladweyne fighting

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MOGADISHU— Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has ordered an investigation over the latest fighting in Baladweyne town, some 335km north of Mogadishu.

President Mohamed expressed concern over the situation in Hiran region of central Somalia after fierce fighting broke out between two rival groups near Baladweyne town.

Mr. Mohamed has formed a committee to investigate and assess the cause of the fighting.

Tuesday’s fighting flared up over Hiran regional governorship after an ousted governor of Hiran region Yusuf Dabaged rejected his dismissal, triggering heavy fighting near the town.

The fighting left a police commander, Mohamed Ma’ow Halane dead and his deputy was also injured during the fighting.

The dispute started last week after ousted governor Yusuf accused the president of Hirshabelle State Mohamed Abdi Waare of mismanagement.

Then, president Waare responded by sacking Yusuf, who rejected his dismissal and appointed  Ali Mohamed Arale as the new governor of Hiran region in central Somalia.

Baladweyne, a town lies some 335km in north of Mogadishu. It is under control of Djiboutian troops serving under African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.