Executive Summary
Gaalkacyo has been a divided city since 1993, however, the renewed conflict is fundamentally driven by a struggle for land and resources and was triggered by the implementation of the federal system.
The lack of genuine reconciliation, two administrations within the city, negative perceptions of each other among the two communities, weak central authority, and unhelpful media coverage have contributed to the continuation of the conflict.
A joint non -political commission derived from city stake holders should be established to start genuine discussions on finding a durable solution. Alongside this commission, the Puntland and Galmudug administrations should create a joint security task force to maintain peace.
There are three possible options for managing the Gaalkayo conflict. They include designating Gaalkacyo a federally - administered city; a joint or agreed single administration for the city;dividing Gaalkacyo and the entire Mudugregionintotwo regions. The study and analysis of these three optionswill be fundamental to solving the constitutional ,land and resource - based conflicts.
There should be no impunity for individuals fueling or allowing the continuance of the Gaalkacyo conflict. They should be held accountable for their actions. The killing and displacement of civilian population is a serious violation of national and international humanitarian law. The UN should take a leading role in the investigation of violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed in Gaalkacyo.