Gun battle erupts between Somaliland troops and local clan forces

HARGEISA (Somaliguardian) – Heavy gunfight between Somaliland troops and local clan militias against the administration of President Muse Bihi Abdi erupted near the port city of Berbera on Sunday amid growing calls for an end to escalating tensions.

The gun battle broke out in Derimara village in Sahil region where large number of local clan forces against the Somaliland government has been mobilizing, threatening violence if authorities fail to hold presidential vote.

Speaking on the development, President Muse Bihi Abdi played down fears of civil war in the region, attributing the emergence of the armed group to the political stalemate over the delayed presidential election.

Casualties by the clashes have not been immediately known. Opposition parties and traditional leaders condemned renewed violence in the region, calling on both sides to end their differences through dialogue.