Elders gather in Warsheikh town for reconciliation talks

Elders from clans that clashed in Middle Shabelle region have gathered in Warsheikh town in a bid start reconciliation conference to solve the rift between the two clans, officials said.

Over 15 people have been killed in a deadly clan-related violence in the area in the recent weeks.

Deputy Warsheik district commissioner, Muriidi Hassan Barrow said the fighting lulled following the intervention of traditional elders.

“No ongoing fighting now after the intervention of the elders but the elders and administration are trying to bring together the traditional elders of he both clans” said Barrow.

Reasons that led to the fighting is still unclear but reports say that it is related to land disputes and pasture.

The clash between the two rival clans has been going on for so long following a land dispute, while the local elders been able to mediate between the groups, a lasting ceasefire has never been achieved, reliable sources added.

Since the collapse of the Central government in 1991, Water, pasture and politics have been at the center of sporadic clashes between Somali tribes across the country.