At least 20 killed as violent clashes erupt between rival clan militia in Mudug, central Somalia

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At least 20 killed as violent clashes erupt between rival clan militia in Mudug, central Somalia

GALKAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – At least 20 lives were lost, and 30 others suffered injuries in a violent clash between rival clan militias that unfolded on Monday in the Farta Cadayga area of Mudug province, central Somalia.

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At least 20 dead and 30 others wounded after a violent clash broke out between rival clan militia in Mudug region.

GALKAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – At least 20 lives were lost, and 30 others suffered injuries in a violent clash between rival clan militias that unfolded on Monday in the Farta Cadayga area of Mudug province, central Somalia.

Reports from residents indicate that a militia group launched an attack on herders in the Farta Cadayga village, sparking a deadly confrontation that sent shockwaves through the region.

This escalation in hostilities is believed to stem from recent tensions and killings in the rural areas, fueled by longstanding animosities based on ownership of land and villages between two clan militias: the Lelkase in Puntland and the Sa’ad/Habargedir in Galmudug.

Elders in Galkayo, a city in the region, shared the grim news that a significant portion of the casualties in Monday’s fighting were herders, whose lives were tragically cut short in the conflict.

In response, politicians in Puntland have leveled accusations against Galmudug and federal forces, suggesting their involvement in the attack.

Politician Osman Sheikh Ismail expressed concerns about the nature of the weaponry used in the assault, emphasizing "that it went beyond light arms and included heavy weaponry”. He went on to allege the participation of federal government forces in the fighting.

As of now, there has been no official statement from Galmudug or the federal government of Somalia regarding the clan conflict or the accusations surrounding it.

However, elders in Galmudug have shed light on the underlying tensions that led to this tragic battle, citing recent revenge killings and ongoing efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.

In response to the escalating violence, the Vice President of Puntland, Ahmed Elmi Osman "Karaash,” issued an urgent call to both sides involved in the conflict.

He called them to unconditionally adhere to ongoing peace initiatives, prioritize a ceasefire, and work toward ending the conflict without any preconditions.

"We are committed to safeguarding the security and harmony of our community. We have already reached out to President Ahmed Abdi Kariye of Galmudug State, and we have agreed to collaborate in efforts to halt the conflict, dispatch committees, and restore stability,” stated Ahmed Karaash.

The Mudug region, which had previously been a hotbed of clan disputes, had experienced a period of relative stability. However, the resurgence of clan conflict has left the local populace anxious about the region’s return to turmoil.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that parts of the Mudug region remain under the control of the Al-Shabaab terror group, which has been accused of capitalizing on clan conflicts to further its own agenda.