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Calls for peace come as fighting between clans from Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions leaves at least two dead, prompting government intervention
The Somali Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has made an urgent appeal for peace after deadly fighting broke out between clan militias in central Somalia. The violence began early Tuesday morning in the Miirdacay area, located in the Matabaan district of Hiiraan region.
According to local sources, the fighting involves armed groups from two different clans living in the neighboring regions of Galgaduud and Hiiraan. So far, at least two pastoralists from the Hiiraan side have been killed in the clashes. Tensions remain high, and there is growing concern that the conflict could escalate.
In response, Minister Dahir issued a strong statement urging both sides to stop the violence immediately. He stressed the importance of peace and called on community leaders, elders, religious scholars, youth, and intellectuals to step in and help calm the situation.
“Peace is essential for our society,” he said. “I am calling on the clans involved in this conflict to resolve their differences peacefully. War only leads to loss—sons die in war; no sons are born from it.”
The minister’s message highlighted the painful consequences of clan violence and encouraged communities to work together for reconciliation and long-term peace.
The Hiiraan regional administration also released a statement condemning the fighting. They called for an immediate and unconditional end to the conflict. Officials emphasized that unity is more important now than ever, especially with the ongoing fight against terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.
“There is no clan war in heaven,” the administration’s message said. “Clan wars bring no progress. We urge the people of Hiiraan to let go of harmful traditions that fuel violence and instead focus on true reconciliation.”
The regional governor, Ali Jeyte Osman, has taken action to stop the fighting. He has ordered local security forces to intervene and work on calming the situation. Authorities are also trying to help both sides agree to a ceasefire so that more bloodshed can be avoided.
These latest clashes show that clan conflicts continue to be a major challenge in central Somalia. Even as both federal and regional governments are carrying out large-scale security operations against Al-Shabaab in other nearby areas, inter-clan violence remains a serious problem.
Clan-based conflicts have a long history in Somalia. Often, they are sparked by disputes over land, water, or livestock. Once fighting starts, it can be difficult to stop without the involvement of elders and respected community leaders. That’s why both the government and traditional leaders play important roles in resolving such disputes and preventing them from turning deadly.
Minister Dahir’s call for peace is part of a wider effort by Somali leaders to promote stability and unity across the country. The government continues to urge people to reject violence and work toward building a peaceful and secure future for all Somalis.
As the situation in Miirdacay remains tense, many are hoping that the minister’s appeal—and the regional government’s swift response—will lead to dialogue and peace between the warring clans.