Dozens of members of a powerful subclan support al-Shabaab against the military offensive of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The notorious extremist group has shared compelling visuals showing armed individuals hailing from the Murusade subclan, claiming to receive backing from the subclan.
Ja’ar, El Buur, Galgaduud region, Galmudug, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
Several striking images, including the one above, have surfaced in al-Shabaab communication channels. They allegedly display dozens of Murusade subclan members supporting al-Shabaab, some waving the jihadist group’s flag.
This show of support occurs at a crucial juncture as the Somali government continues its meticulous preparations to reclaim territories held by al-Shabaab in the Galmudug State. Notably, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has personally assumed command from Dhuusamareeb, Galmudug’s capital, to spearhead the operations.
The Murusade is a Somali subclan, part of the Karanle clan of the Hawiye clan family. The Murusade also form some of the earliest inhabitants of Mogadishu, holding a prominent position in the city. They have established a strong presence in important districts of the capital, such as Hodan, Wardhigley, Howlwadag and Deynile.
The group displayed in al-Shabaab’s photos is from Ja’ar village of El Buur district in Galmudug State, which also has a notable presence of the Murusade. This specific area is well-known for its support of al-Shabaab.
Complicated clan dynamics
As the central government bolsters its efforts to curb al-Shabaab’s influence, the role of local clans, especially the Murusade, assumes heightened significance. The Murusade clan’s purported association with al-Shabaab potentially reveals intricate social and political ties that could influence the trajectory of Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s direct involvement in overseeing operations against al-Shabaab in the Galmudug State demonstrates the government’s resolve to neutralize the threat. Nevertheless, the situation remains complicated. On Monday night, Galmudug witnessed carnage when ten gunmen murdered five boys, all under 13 years old, between the Dhabad and Qorof villages. The atrocity was reportedly a result of clan-based animosity.
However, experts point out that the tragedy is also a direct consequence of the extensive arming of clan militias that the President of Somalia has pushed forward. The current events prove this to be a bad practice.
