The Somali town of Galkayo, which hasn't known peace for quite a number of years, is basking in renewed optimism. Markets and schools have re-opened for the first time, as authorities embark on reconciliation tours. And as CGTN's Abdulaziz Billow reports, local residents are hoping these efforts are sustainable.

Nasteha Mohamud is one the traders at this market in the central Somali town of Galkayo. She has opened her shop for the first time in months. Security forces patrol this area of the city, maintaining a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for two months now. Some traders have chosen not to open their businesses due to uncertainty.

NASTEHA MOHAMUD TRADER "I've just reopened by shop. I feed my children from whatever I sell here. Before the military from the federal government came we faced a lot of difficulties, each side clashed all the time and its the business community and people who were most affected."

Galkayo is the biggest town in central Somalia, and is divided into two sides: Puntland controls the north, while Galmudug commands the south.

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW GALKAYO, SOMALIA "This is the biggest market in Galkayo and for years it's been the scene of a bitter confrontation between forces from Puntland and Galmudug - for now a ceasefire is in place - shops have reopened as relative stability slowly returns to this central Somali town."

The last time the two sides clashed more that thirty lives were lost, and thousands more displaced. These soldiers from the federal government are here to ensure the ceasefire remains in place, a difficult task in a region deeply divided by years of conflict.

HUSSEIN HASHI SOMALI NATIONAL ARMY "We've reopened the roads. No one is allowed to carry weapons in this area, we've restored peace anyone found carrying a gun is arrested and punished. This area is now peaceful."

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is leading reconciliation efforts in the area and his visit to Galkayo, a first by a Somali president over a decade. At this public park, locals have a message for their leader, they want him to unite this divided city, and even offered him a camel painted in the colours of the national flag.

MOHAMED ABDULLAHI FARMAJO SOMALI PRESIDENT "We will make sure that this city sets the pace for stability - and nationwide reconciliation. We are here to united this divided a city -it's an obligation for the government and everyone involved to ensure that this town is peaceful and return to rule of law."

President Farmajo is on a major reconciliation tour, in a region where conflict is deeply rooted in regional and clan rivalries. But the public sees renewed hope in the president, who has vowed not to leave this city until all sides agree to end all future hostilities. And as thousands come out to welcome the Somali leader,experts say that the government need to capitalize on the massive public support it enjoys and bring about peace and lasting stability all across the country. AB, CGTN, Galkayo, In Central Somalia.