Somalia Lower Shabelle: Clashes Spark Fear of Full-Fledged Clan Conflict

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 22 August 2024 22:51
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    Somalia Lower Shabelle: Clashes Spark Fear of Full-Fledged Clan Conflict

    WANLAWEYN, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The Lower Shabelle region is teetering on the edge of a full-scale clan conflict following a series of violent clashes between local militias.

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Heavily-armed Rahanweyne clan militia in Buurhakaba announced a campaign against non-Rahanweyn clan Gaaljecel in the Lower Shabelle region. | PHOTO taken 3 Aug, 2024.
WANLAWEYN, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The Lower Shabelle region is teetering on the edge of a full-scale clan conflict following a series of violent clashes between local militias.

The unrest began shortly after the Southwest State Minister of Security, Hassan Abdikadir, launched a campaign against non-Rahanweyn communities in the region.

On Thursday, at least one person was killed near the Yaaqbiriweyne district when violent clashes broke out between Gaaljecel clan militia and Rahanweyn militia, backed by the Southwest State's Darwish forces.



Darwiish forces, primarily composed of Rahanweyn fighters, have been trained and equipped by international partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.

This was the second outbreak of violence in the area within weeks. Earlier in August, similar clashes between the two sides resulted in the deaths of at least four people.

The conflict is rooted in longstanding disputes over land ownership between the Rahanweyn and Gaaljecel clans, an issue that has flared up repeatedly over the years.

In late July, Southwest State Minister Hassan Abdikadir, who is also a Rahanweyn, began deploying Rahanweyn forces in the area, exacerbating tensions. According to reports from the local media, Rahanweyn militia in Buurhakaba town later vowed to eradicate the Gaaljecel clan from the territory between Leego and Wanlaweyn, prompting the Gaaljecel to seek reinforcements.

"The region is now on the brink of full-fledged communal conflict, fueled by politicians and militia men. Civilians are beginning to flee the area," said Mohamed Nuur Guuled, a businessman in Wanlaweyn.

While the Southwest State leadership has yet to comment on the ongoing conflict, Security Minister Hassan Abdikadir has stated that military operations in the region will continue, specifically targeting Yaaqbiriweyne, a predominantly Gaaljecel town with a thriving business community.

"We are targeting local militias who set up roadblocks. We will not stop until we clear all of them, either dead or captured," Abdikadir said.

However, MP Dahir Amin Jesow, a member of the Somali Federal Parliament from the Gaaljecel community, warned Southwest State officials against inciting clan violence, cautioning that such actions could lead to communal conflict in the already troubled region.

"We have been calling for peace for a long time. But now we see state officials openly promoting communal conflict and arming clan militias to attack certain clans," MP Jesow said.

The Thursday clashes saw Rahanweyn militia and the Darwish forces attacking bases near Yaaqbiriweyne. Although the situation is currently calm, residents report that both sides are calling for reinforcements.

According to Elder Nuur Khalif, the Yaaqbiriweyne community has endured endless violence over the past decade. "Our local market was set ablaze, our women raped, and our men killed. We were forced to leave Wanlaweyn and relocate to Yaaqbiriweyne. We built our own markets and homes, but now the same militia groups are attacking us again, this time with the backing of state forces," Khalif said.

Lower Shabelle is one of the most contested regions in southern Somalia, with rival clans frequently clashing over territory. Despite being known as Somalia's breadbasket, the region's agricultural economy has been severely damaged by the ongoing violence. Additionally, the area remains a hotspot for political violence, with Al-Shabaab continuing to launch attacks on security forces.

As Southwest State faces upcoming elections, the situation is further complicated by the expiration of the president's and parliament's terms over a year ago, adding to the region's instability.


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