Clashes escalate in the Adale district, raising concerns of impending clan war. The most recent round of fighting has exacerbated concerns of a potential all-out clan war. The Adale area in Middle Shabelle has repeatedly witnessed killings along the clan affiliations. The local administration has not yet found a lasting solution to stop the violence.
Adale (Cadale) district, Middle Shabelle region, Hirshabelle, SOMALIA.
The conflict began when militiamen from the Abdalle Arone subclan burned several wooden tents, prompting retaliation from Agoonyar Gabane, who burned homes in a remote area within the Adale district. In response, the Abdalle Arone militia attacked the village of Boos Hareeri, inhabited by members of the Obakar Gabane subclan. This clash resulted in the death of at least four men while more than eight others on both sides sustained injuries.
The violence has persisted despite calls for peace from clan elders and politicians. Yesterday, the situation further deteriorated when militia from Agoonyar Gabane killed five people, reportedly a teacher and four of his students who were travelling to the Haji Ali village. The victims were all from Abdalle Arone.
A long history of clan-based violence
The most recent clashes have been ongoing for over a week, and the situation appears to be escalating. The continued violence raises the alarming prospect of an all-out clan-based war between the Abdalle Arone and Gabane Mohamed (Obakar Gabane and Agoonyar Gabane) subclans in the Adale district and surrounding villages.
It is imperative that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Hirshabelle State authorities urgently seek ways to halt the clashes before the situation spirals out of control. The ongoing violence not only jeopardises the fragile peace in the area but also poses a significant threat to the ongoing fight against al-Shabaab.
Authorities must engage with clan elders, local leaders, and community representatives to de-escalate tensions and find peaceful resolutions to the underlying disputes. Swift intervention and effective conflict resolution strategies are crucial to prevent further loss of life, displacement, and the potential for wider instability in the region.
Civilians killed two weeks ago
The Adale area in Middle Shabelle has repeatedly witnessed killings along the clan affiliations. Less than two weeks ago, three civilians died in another outbreak of violence. Armed militiamen from the Abdalle Arone, acting allegedly due to clan grievances, attacked the victims and fled.
The attack claimed the lives of Ahmed Abukar Aw-Omar, Ali Muhyiddin Ali, and Mohamed Ali Mohamud, who belonged to Obakar Gabane and Agoonyar Gabane subclans. The Somali Digest contacted a relative of the victims, who told us the victims were all well-known businessmen in the area.
Officials have called upon residents to remain calm and assured that the criminals will face justice.
