Following a preliminary peace agreement between Puntland authorities and a militia in the mountainous region of Galgala led by Mohamed Atam that was signed last week in Af-urur village, Puntland has already started implementing the agreement by releasing nine prisoners from the main Bosaso prison.
Somalia Report confirmed that Atam’s own brother, Abdishakur Mohamed Atam, was among those released as part of the peace agreement.
“The officials from Bosaso have confirmed that nine prisoners including Abdishakur Mohamed Atam have been released from Bosaso’s main prison,” a resident in Garowe said.
Atam's brother was captured in Bosaso last March in a special operation by Puntland’s police forces after reports linked him to his brother's militia. The other eight prisoners were captured last year during fierce fighting between the two sides in Galgala.
Puntland officials and political commentators in the region believe the move will make way for more cooperation between the two sides, particularly after Puntland President Farole extended amnesty to the militia.
Puntland holds political and war prisoners from the Atam militia and more releases are expected to follow as the peace talks between the sides resume next month as agreed in the preliminary agreement.
Atam’s militia has been battling against Puntland security forces for last few years in the mountainous region of Galgala.
Security officials in Bosaso were not available for comment.