Renewed Clashes in Central Somalia Leave Over 10 Dead, Dozens Injured

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 10 September 2024 01:00

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Renewed Clashes in Central Somalia Leave Over 10 Dead, Dozens Injured

GALKAYO, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - More than 10 people have been killed and dozens of others injured in renewed clashes between the Habargedir/Saleban clan militia and the Marehan/Wagar Dhac militia in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia.

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Eyewitnesses report that both sides have received reinforcements including militia and heavy weaponry, raising concerns that the fighting may not end soon.

GALKAYO, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - More than 10 people have been killed and dozens of others injured in renewed clashes between the Habargedir/Saleban clan militia and the Marehan/Wagar Dhac militia in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia.

The violence, fueled by the proliferation of weapons and the involvement of government officials, erupted on Friday, September 6, and continued into Sunday, September 8, in the village of Bali Soonyaale.

Eyewitnesses report that both sides have received reinforcements including militia and heavy weaponry, raising concerns that the fighting may not end soon.

"The technicals and the militia were stationed here in Adado. Some of them used to stay at Al-Adala’s house in Adado," said a source familiar with the situation.

Mediation elders sent to the area last week by the Galmudug regional administration were forced to postpone their mission after peace efforts failed due to the increased armament on both sides.

Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie, also known as Qoorqoor, issued a call urging both parties to cease hostilities and accept mediation.

"I call on both sides to end the conflict and accept the mediation," he said. However, new details have emerged suggesting that a Somali federal government official is exacerbating the conflict.

Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala, who hails from the Saleban/Habargedir clan, has been accused of fueling the fighting.

Reports indicate that weapons and vehicles belonging to Al-Adala were transported from Adado to the conflict zone. Sources in Adado claim that Al-Adala’s armed men were involved in attacks on the Marehan village.

On the other side, Marehan militia reportedly seized two truckloads of arms and ammunition after intercepting them near the Ethiopian border, close to Abudwak town. Sources believe these weapons are currently being used in the conflict.

How can clan conflict be ended while @HassanSMohamud has people in his cabinet openly inciting hatred and violence against certain communities?

Will there be any form of investigation into the Deputy Minister of Information while the Galgaduud region in central Somalia is… pic.twitter.com/RDSSil0MuP
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) September 9, 2024

Meanwhile, another front of the same conflict has been reported in the Mudug region, where Marehan and Habargedir militias clashed.

While the number of casualties is not yet known, a Galmudug official based in Galkayo expressed concern about the worsening humanitarian situation.

"If the conflict continues, it will eventually create an extra burden on the local community and worsen the humanitarian situation," said Hassan Abdirahman, highlighting the impact on civilians as pastoralists and rural communities flee the war-torn areas.

The escalating violence has intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.