Violent Clash in Central Somalia Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured
At least 55 fatalities and 155 injuries have been reported by residents and medical officials on June 10th over a violent clash between two clans in central Somalia over the weekend. The clash, between the Dir and Marihan clans, erupted in Abudwaq and Herale towns, stemming from disputes over grazing land and watering points.
The incident underscores the challenges facing Somalia’s federal government, which is grappling not only with the persistent violence perpetrated by Al Shabaab but also with internal clan-based conflicts.
According to a clan elder and resident of Herale named Farah Nur, the belated arrival of government forces contributed to the escalation of the conflict. While the fighting has subsided with the intervention of federal soldiers, the atmosphere remains tense, emphasizing the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed.
Ahmed Shire Falagle, a security adviser to the president of Galmudug state, voiced concerns that al Shabaab may have indirectly influenced the conflict, exploiting tensions between formerly allied clans. However, the aftermath of the clash has left communities mourning their losses and grappling with the repercussions of the violence, highlighting the fragile stability in the region and the imperative of addressing underlying grievances to prevent future outbreaks
