The move was implemented last week as NEPCO abided the group’s order to quit supplying electricity to the town. The company would not specify when they would turn the power back on.
“Abiding such an order from people who could not reveal their identity is a cowardly action,” Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole told in crowd of people attending 51st anniversary marking the unity of southern and northern Somalia and the independence of the southern part of the country.
“Businesses have been affected badly. The streets are all dark and moving through the streets is dangerous,“ Hassan Ahmed, a local journalist told Somalia Report.
Restaurants, local markets, hotels, shops and movement of the residents at night have been greatly affected by the lack of electricity. The president called on residents to protect themselves at night.
“Businessmen should have confidence in themselves and collaborate with the security force to protect their business,” said President Farole.
NEPCO officials who were contacted by Somalia Report would not say which group made the threats, but confirmed that they have received the written threat early last week.
Farhan Ali, deputy chairman of Mudug’s regional security committee, denounced the threat citing and vowed to catch the perpetrators.
“We are following them and security forces started an investigation. They will be brought before the law,” Farhan told Somalia Report.
Increased instability has prevailed in Galkayo town where prominent justice officials, judges, businessmen and traditional elders have been killed in a wave of criminal activity in recent weeks. In March, Galkayo residents protested against increased insecurity.
Puntland authorities believe that Sheikh Mohamed Atom, who is fighting against Puntland forces in Galgala, has links with al-Shabaab and is behind the recent insecurity, but he has denied links to the militant group.