Acting Speaker Urges Peace in Hiraan

MOGADISHU – Acting Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People, Sadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, has urged an immediate halt to renewed clan fighting in parts of central Hiiraan, warning that continued violence could undermine peace, social cohesion and the welfare of local communities.

In a statement, Sadiya, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the Federal Parliament, expressed concern over recent clashes between rival communities in Jalalaqsi district, calling the conflict a serious issue requiring urgent attention from all stakeholders.

Fierce fighting between two clan militias entered its third consecutive day on Saturday in Jalalaqsi, forcing most residents to flee and leaving the town largely deserted except for armed fighters exchanging heavy weapons fire. The renewed clashes have deepened the humanitarian crisis, with militias from both sides and civilians reportedly setting fire to homes belonging to people displaced by the conflict.

She said the fighting between brotherly communities living in the same area of Jalalaqsi district in Hiiraan was too grave to be ignored or met with silence, as it weakens peace, social unity and the future of the local population.

Recurring Violence Threatens Fragile Stability

The appeal comes amid renewed tensions in parts of Hiiraan, where recurring disputes over resources, land, grazing rights and local grievances have repeatedly led to deadly clashes between communities despite reconciliation efforts by elders and government officials. The town of Jalalaqsi has faced a worsening security situation after violent clashes between two rival clan militias, with videos circulating on social media showing widespread destruction, including homes set on fire and armed militia members openly celebrating their actions.

Previous clan clashes in Jalalaqsi have been triggered by the detention of community elders, with fighting breaking out between district commissioner loyalists and armed clan militias following the arrest of a traditional leader. In that incident, two individuals lost their lives and several sustained injuries before community elders intervened to mediate and prevent the conflict from spreading.

Sadiya urged traditional elders, religious leaders, community representatives, the Hirshabelle regional administration and residents to cooperate in ending the violence and resolving the dispute through dialogue.

Development Gains Under Threat

Jalalaqsi had recently been seeing gradual recovery following military operations against Al-Shabaab and economic difficulties linked to inflation. The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission had initiated a voter registration drive in the district as part of Somalia’s broader movement toward a one-person, one-vote electoral framework. Humanitarian agencies had also launched emergency food distribution programs aimed at easing hunger in the flood- and drought-affected district.

However, the latest inter-clan fighting threatens to undo the limited progress made in restoring stability and development in the district. Hiiraan region has already been grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 60,000 people displaced due to intensified conflict and insecurity, driven by escalating operations against Al-Shabaab, inter-clan disputes, and retaliatory violence.

She said parliament continued to support initiatives aimed at stopping the bloodshed and promoting reconciliation among the affected communities.

“As the leadership of the House of the People, we reaffirm our support for every effort aimed at stopping the bloodshed and strengthening peace and brotherhood among the local communities,” she said.

Allegations of Local Administration Involvement

Meanwhile, reports have emerged alleging that the Jalalaqsi local administration, led by a man known as Nur Dhere, is directly involved in the conflict by supporting one of the warring sides and further fueling the inter-clan violence. Nur Dheere, the Jalalaqsi District Commissioner, had previously been commended by SoDMA for the efficient and transparent execution of aid distribution, making his alleged involvement in the conflict particularly concerning to residents.

The latest fighting comes as the federal government of Somalia seeks to stabilize areas recovered from the militant group Al-Shabaab and strengthen local governance structures across the central regions. Somali National Army forces have been conducting operations in the eastern Hiiraan region, targeting militant supply lines and disrupting insurgent activities.

Analysts say unresolved clan disputes remain a challenge to broader efforts to improve security and development in several parts of Somalia.

While the exact number of casualties from the recent clashes remains unclear, local leaders and officials have been working to broker a ceasefire and prevent the conflict from spreading to neighbouring areas.

In concluding her appeal, Sadiya stressed that preserving peace and preventing further violence was a shared responsibility, urging all parties to place the public interest and peaceful coexistence above competing local concerns.

The renewed violence in Hiiraan underscores the continuing challenge facing Somali authorities and community leaders as they seek to address local conflicts.