Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
A father and his son were killed on Tuesday in Somalia’s Galgaduud region in what officials say was a clan revenge attack, adding to the cycle of retaliatory violence that continues to destabilize central Somalia. The victims, identified as Abdullahi Mohamed Lugtii Jiic and his son, Baashi Abdullahi Mohamed Lugtii Jiic, were shot dead in the village of Labi Kooraale, which falls under Balanbale district. Witnesses said armed men from a rival clan carried out the attack to avenge an earlier killing, a common pattern in local clan conflicts.
Residents said the area was thrown into panic after the shooting, with fears that the violence could spark new clashes between neighboring clans. Security forces in Balanbale and nearby Gurieel have since increased patrols in an effort to calm tensions and prevent further bloodshed. Locals, however, say the atmosphere remains tense, as rival groups begin to mobilize militias in anticipation of revenge attacks.
Clan-based revenge killings have become an all-too-familiar tragedy in central Somalia, particularly in the Galgaduud and Mudug regions. These conflicts often stem from long-standing disputes over land, livestock, and family honor—issues deeply rooted in Somalia’s traditional clan structure. Once violence breaks out, it usually triggers a chain of retaliations that can last for years, drawing in entire communities and devastating families.
Although traditional elders often step in to mediate peace, their efforts rarely succeed in ending the hostilities for good. Agreements made during peace talks frequently collapse, either due to mistrust or fresh incidents of violence. As a result, communities remain caught in a cycle where revenge becomes a way of life, and each act of violence sets off another.
Local residents and observers have increasingly criticized the Galmudug regional administration for its inability to control the situation. Despite repeated promises to restore order and promote reconciliation, the region continues to see frequent flare-ups of clan violence. Critics say the government’s response has been reactive rather than preventive—stepping in only after blood has been spilled instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Many in Galgaduud believe that stronger law enforcement and fairer justice systems are key to stopping the killings. Others argue that without a serious commitment to resolving land disputes and historical grievances, peace will remain fragile. Some community leaders have called for greater involvement from the federal government and international partners to support local reconciliation efforts and provide alternative means of justice.
The tragedy of Abdullahi and his son is a painful reminder of how fragile peace remains in central Somalia. Their deaths, like many before them, reflect the human cost of clan divisions that continue to tear communities apart. As families bury their loved ones and live in fear of further attacks, residents are once again pleading for authorities and elders to find a way to break the endless cycle of revenge. Until lasting peace takes hold, many fear that Galgaduud’s story will continue to be written in grief and loss.