Somali Defense Minister Abdikhadir Mohamed Nur Jama accuses al-Shabab insurgency of instigating inter-clan conflicts in several regions of the country.
According to the Minister on Sunday, the organization is investing huge sums in igniting disputes in freed regions in order to divert government and local forces’ attention away from military operations against them.Â
He cautioned the public to be vigilant and skeptical of conflicts fueled by Al-Shabab insurgents within brotherly communities.
This remark from Somalia’s Minister of Defense comes after significant inter-can violence in the Middle Shabelle area over the previous two weeks.
Recently, a young doctor was killed in Galcakacayo town in what residents termed an inter-clan rivalry-instigated killing.
Critics argued that the Puntland administration must urgently reassess its approach to combating violence, focusing on comprehensive measures that address the root causes of inter-clan conflicts and promote reconciliation among warring factions.
Elsewhere, President Hassan Sheikh held a meeting on Friday with traditional elders and religious leaders in Adale where clan clashes have claimed lives of at least 50 people.Â
Traditionally, inter-clan conflicts in Somalia have been the source of instability, where proponents fight for control of geopolitics, resources and at times land use. The fighting triggered the ouster of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.
Since 1991, the country has lost thousands of people to inter-clan conflicts, with millions also displaced due to political turmoil.