Earlier today, at least 20 people were killed in clashes between Sa’ad and Leelkase clan militias in Mudug. The fighting occurred near Dalsan within the Galdogob district of the Mudug region. The area where the skirmish took place is close to the Somali-Ethiopia border, and the Leelkase community primarily lives here. The Sa’ad militias ventured into the area in search of pastures for their livestock.
Dalsan, Galdogob district, Mudug region, Puntland, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
Puntland’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation (MoPEDIC), Mohamed Farole, voiced concern over the resumption of hostilities between Galmudug and Puntland. He noted that today’s clashes in Galdogob marked the commencement of the third bout of conflict during President Hassan Sheikh’s tenure.
“Today’s attack in Galdogob by Galmudug militia marks the beginning of the 3rd war – the others were in 2015 & 2016 during HSM’s [Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s] 1st term,” stated Minister Mohamed Farole on X (Twitter).
The clashes have resulted in a tragic toll, with over 20 fatalities reported on both sides and numerous individuals sustaining injuries. The Puntland government has called upon both parties to cease hostilities and seek peaceful resolution methods.
Puntland and Galmudug to create a combined force
Ahmed Osman Karaash, the Vice President of Puntland, addressed the situation and outlined the first steps for its peaceful resolution in a statement today. “The President [of Puntland – Said Abdullahi Deni] called on both sides to comply with the ongoing peace efforts and, first and foremost, implement an unconditional ceasefire and refrain from any actions that could further escalate the conflict.”
According to Karaash, the Government of Puntland has swiftly taken the following measures:
- The Vice President, acting in accordance with the government’s constitutional duty to safeguard community security and harmony, engaged in a phone conversation with the President of Galmudug State, Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoorqoor’. They agreed to collaborate on finding solutions to the conflict and dispatch committees from both governments to the affected areas to restore stability.
- The government has formed a committee comprising ministers.
- Combined forces from Mudug (representing both Puntland and Galmudug) will deploy as peacekeepers between the conflicting communities.
Finally, Vice President Karaash has instructed the joint forces and other security units to intensify their efforts to ensure local security.
Despite Puntland’s concerted efforts to swiftly resolve the conflict, the risk of escalation akin to the events of 2016 is minimised by the improved relationship between Puntland and Galmudug, as exemplified by their joint force to address the renewed clan hostilities.
