Aarre Rebels in Sanaag Region agree on peace accord

Erigavo (Somaliland.com) – Colonel Awil Saeed Jaama Aarre, the leader of Dulmidiid rebellion in Sanaag region ends his insurgency today.

Putting down his famous military fatigues and clad in Somali traditional attire, the disgruntled colonel handed over weaponry and soldiers to a mediation committee from his clan. 

Colonel Aarre announced in a short speech that he genuinely transfer all his soldiers to government control. The strength of his forces he added was eight hundred infantry soldiers and one hundred mobile combatants. 

According to an amnesty granted by the president, with the exception of Colonel Aarre, the soldiers and their officers will be reintegrated into Somaliland’s national army.

In his speech at the occasion, Colonel Aarre focussed on the fate of his soldiers who will be reintegrated into Somaliland’s national army. He urged the mediation committee to look out for the officers whom he said worked hard on their education. He also sent messages to the Army Chief to be fair and just.

Colonel Aarre was a veteran Somaliland army officer before defecting in 2018 following communal strive in Eel Afweyn district. That inter-clan conflict was ended last month in December with sweeping peace accords.

Following his defection, Colonel Aarre set up camp at Qardho district in neighboring Puntland state of Somalia. Later in early 2019, he moved back to Somaliland and made an incursion to the Northern parts of Sanaag region.

Less than a handful of people were killed in Colonel Aarre’s one year and a half insurgency. From the beginning, mediation efforts led by traditional leaders worked tirelessly to bring a peaceful conclusion to the insurgency. Those efforts saw a breakthrough in October last year when president Muse Bihi offered amnesty to all rebels except Colonel Aarre himself. President Bihi insisted that the officer’s amnesty go through military court procedures