SoDMA Commissioner Urges Immediate Action to Stop Clan Violence in Lower Shabelle
The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, has issued a strong call for peace and urgent intervention in the escalating clan conflicts in Lower Shabelle, which have resulted in multiple fatalities and the displacement of hundreds of families.
The appeal comes amid a backdrop of overlapping crises, including recent floods and widespread food insecurity, which have further strained affected communities.
Chairman Mohamud made the statement during a formal handover ceremony for the new Director General of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Hirshabelle. Speaking directly to the public, he highlighted the cumulative impact of both natural and man-made disasters on vulnerable populations, stressing the urgent need for coordinated government action.
“Our people are facing successive disasters, both natural and man-made,” said Mohamud.
“The ongoing clan conflicts threaten to undo the limited stability we have achieved. I urge the Federal Government and the leadership of South West State to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further loss of life and displacement.”
Local sources report that clashes between rival clan militias in parts of Lower Shabelle over the past several weeks have resulted in dozens of deaths and forced hundreds of families to flee their homes.
These conflicts have also disrupted humanitarian aid delivery, leaving already vulnerable populations without essential support. Many of the displaced families were previously affected by recent flooding, which had already displaced thousands in the region.
Chairman Mohamud emphasized that SoDMA’s capacity to respond to emergencies is limited, given the agency’s ongoing efforts to manage multiple crises, including droughts, floods, and internal displacement. He called on all levels of government to prioritize conflict prevention, strengthen coordination, and ensure rapid humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
“The responsibility to protect lives and restore stability rests on all of us,” he said. “It is imperative that we act together to halt the violence, support affected families, and prevent another humanitarian catastrophe in Lower Shabelle and across Somalia.”
The chairman also highlighted the importance of early warning systems, community engagement, and collaboration with humanitarian organizations to effectively manage the multifaceted crises facing the region. He warned that without immediate intervention, continued violence could exacerbate food insecurity, hinder development, and further destabilize the already fragile social fabric of the affected communities.
The call for urgent action underscores the growing concern among Somali authorities and humanitarian agencies over the rising intensity of local conflicts and the need for a coordinated response to mitigate both immediate and long-term consequences for vulnerable populations.
