Somali religious clerics have urged an end to the ongoing deadly clan conflicts across the country and strongly condemned the recent killing of six Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers in the El-Baraf district of the Middle Shabelle region.
In a meeting held in Mogadishu, the clerics emphasized the Islamic prohibition against bloodshed and urged citizens to avoid returning to divisive and destructive clan-based conflicts. “Islam forbids the spilling of blood among brotherly and sisterly communities,” Sheikh Ali Wajiis stated, calling for unity and reconciliation.
The country has witnessed a surge in clan clashes, with violent incidents reported in regions including Middle and Lower Shabelle, Mudug, Galgadud, and Sanaag. Over the past weeks, these conflicts have claimed more than 100 lives, displaced numerous families, and heightened tensions across the affected areas.
Addressing the recent killings in El-Baraf, Sheikh Ali Wajiis called on the government to ensure justice by apprehending the perpetrators responsible for the attack. Federal government troops, supported by Hirshabelle regional forces, have already detained two suspects linked to the killings. Additionally, the commissioner of El-Baraf and several traditional elders have been arrested for alleged negligence in failing to act against the militia earlier.
The ambush in El-Baraf targeted six soldiers and their driver while they were traveling to their families in Hiiraan during a leave. Local sources reported that the attack, carried out by militia fighters, was a revenge act tied to clan disputes.
