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IDPs Stage Protest in Puntland


Garowe Online (Garowe)


NEWS
7 July 2008
Posted to the web 8 July 2008


Hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the main government building in the
port city of Bossaso, in northern Somalia' s region of Puntland, Radio Garowe
reported Monday.

The protestors were mostly composed of internally displaced peoples who fled
war in south Somalia.



One of the protest organizers said they were demonstrating against food aid
that was "distributed unfairly" and also against hyperinflation, which he
accused the Puntland government of involvement.

The demonstrators marched in front of the money changer offices in Bossaso,
where local police fired gunshots in the air and dispersed the crowd.

There were reports of some arrests.

Meanwhile, Puntland President Mohamud "Adde" Muse arrived in the city of
Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region and Puntland's southernmost town.

The Puntland leader was welcomed by Galkayo regional and city officials, as
well as local supporters. He reportedly held private meetings with local
officials and traditional elders, with the talks centered on improving
security.

President Muse's trip to Galkayo was not previously announced, with insiders
suggesting the visit was hidden for security-related reasons.

In recent weeks, there have been deadly car bombings and assassinations in
Galkayo, prompting city officials to enact a nighttime curfew last week.


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