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Elders Join Calls for Ceasefire in Galgaduud region

Storyline:National News

The Somali Politicians and traditional elders in Galmudug State have called on clan militias fighting in Galgaduud region to halt the violence and to solve their differences through dialogue.

The fighting between clan militias started after land and pasture dispute between sub-clans which has led to deadly fighting which displaced hundreds of residents including women and children.

Witnesses say confrontations between rival militias continued for weeks and there was no sign of a letup in fighting.

Sultan Mohamud Khalif Afduub says the traditional elders in Galmudug State have called for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that no group can win through armed confrontation.

“It is regrettable to see the occurrence of conflict in the region, and we call out to both warring sides to immediate unconditional cease-fire, and remind them that conflict and unnecessary loss of lives will not resolve anything other than escalate animosity.” Afduub said.

Somalia has seen many deadly clan conflict since warlords overthrew the central government led by the late Somali president Siad Barre. The wars, which began as struggle for control of the government, quickly degenerated into predatory looting, banditry, and occupation of valuable real estate by conquering clan militias.