Somali transitional federal government has sacked the commander of the first army division after he was accused of involving in the recent violence in the southern port city of Kismayu, local media reports on Tuesday. Colonel Abdirisak Afgadud confirmed the news to the local reporters overnight saying that the government had removed him from the post of being the commander of the first division of the national army. He denied of being involved in Kismayu clashes between rival clans within the government.Col. Afgadud who is now in Bulo-Gadud village some miles away from Kismayu accepted the government decision and said his dismissal from the army was normal.
“The removal of my post in the forces is not related to the allegations of the recent clashes in Kismayu but it is an order from the top government officials,” said Afgadud.
Afgadud blamed former defense minister Bare Aden Hirale on the recent violence in Kismayu but his accusation was rejected by the commander of the third division of the army Ismael Khalif Shire. Mr. Khalif said today former defense minister was innocent of the allegation from Afgadud. The dismissal of Afgadud from his post came as tension is high in Kismayu with lack of security after clan militiamen seized control of the city.