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Clan elders agree on measures to halt violence in Galgadud

The elders of the Marehan and Dir clans met to explore measures to prevent deadly interclan confrontations.

By Abdirahman Khalif | Thursday, June 13, 2024

The clashes between the two clans erupted in the Abudwak and Herale districts last week and have claimed the lives of over 55 people leaving 60 others critically injured.

Ahmed Abdi Kariye, the leader of Galmudug state, and traditional elders from two rival clans have agreed on measures to end violence in the Galgadud region. The measures follow clashes last weekend that resulted in 55 deaths and over 60 injuries.

Ahmed visited the conflict zones and discussed with elders and intellectuals from both factions to swiftly address the conflict.

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The three groups agreed to an immediate ceasefire, collaborative work with security forces, and the militias' separation. They also planned to convene a peace conference in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug state.

"People must live together on this land to safeguard their brotherhood and kinship, we must stop people looking for political milestones using these conflicts," said Ahmed.

Abshir Abdi Shikhow, Galmudug's Minister of Information, said the clashes were due to a dispute over grazing land and water resources. He identified the clans involved as the Dir and Marihan.

The clashes between the two clans erupted in the Abudwak and Herale districts last week and have claimed the lives of over 55 people leaving 60 others critically injured.

The injured were transported to hospitals in Herale, Abudwak, and Adado for first aid and admission.

Galmudug state leader Ahmed Abdi Kariye also attended the meeting between the two clans.

Regional police officer Ahmed Sahal reported that the confrontation was intense and extended over a long period, with both factions using machine guns and AK-47 rifles.

According to Ahmed, the conflict caused extensive damage to local infrastructure, such as homes and water sources.

Local reports attributed the conflict to ongoing land disputes. However, the precise cause of the fighting in Galgudud, an administrative region of Galmudug State in central Somalia, remains unclear.

Both the Galmudug regional government and federal authorities have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Somali government further instructed its security agencies and the Galmudug administration to intervene and mediate urgently.

Minister of Security Mohamed Abdi Aden Gaboobe condemned the violence and stated that those responsible for inciting the conflict have been identified and will face legal action.

"The conflict, driven by a territorial dispute over uninhabited land, is unacceptable, and those involved will be prosecuted following the law," said Minister Abdi.

Traditional elders from both clans have made efforts to mediate and stop the violence, but so far, no resolution has been reached.

Authorities further warned of possible further retaliatory violence, which could further impact business and cause travel disruptions.

Landhere is located about 470 kilometres north of Mogadishu, near Somalia's border with Ethiopia.