Clan – Militias contesting control for newly liberated regions in Middle Shabelle asked to stop fighting

Local Militias allied to rival clans fighting for control of territory removed from the hands of the militants al-Shabab in parts of Hirshabelle State have been urged to unconditionally ceasefire and stop fighting.

Fighting erupted in areas that fall under the administration of Addale District where the Somali Army and allied militias toppled al-Shabab.

The group had controlled some villages in the District for more than 15 years before they were removed in recent military offensives. 

The Governor for the Middle Shabelle Region Ahmed Meyre Makaran on Sunday called on the militia of the two clans to accept dialogue and reconciliation. 

Mr. Meyre Makaran said it the new clashes will derail efforts of the Somali Army and the Federal Government in fighting al-Shabaab.

“It is sad that brothers are now  fighting in the area after removing the enemy,” said Governor Meyre Makaran.

“I urge people in those areas and local leaders to spearhead peace efforts. Terrible things have already occurred. Our elders and traditional leaders will formulate meetings to end all this problem,”  said Makaran. 

Adale, where the villages in dispute fall under, is a coastal town in the southern Middle Shabelle region of Somalia some 180 km from the capital Mogadishu.

It is a stretch of virgin sandy beaches that goes on and is only interrupted by many fishing boats at the docking site used by fishermen.

After toppling the Somali militant group Al-Shabab from the town, clan militias who helped Somali Army Soldiers in liberating the town are now fighting for control. 

The Federal Government of Somalia has carried out offensive military operations aimed at degrading the capability of Al-Shaab.

The group with links to al-Qaeda has remained violent and continues to harbours ambitions to remove Somalia’s western backed Government from Power.