Calm Returns to Luuq District After Days of Inter-Clan Clashes

GOOBJOOG NEWS | LUUQ: Relative calm has returned to Luuq district in Gedo region after days of inter-clan fighting that claimed the lives of several people and destroyed property.

Fighting broke out between two rival clans in the region over a disagreement over resources – which saw various stakeholders including the regional administration, federal government and elders intervene to restore calm.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday called for an immediate cessation of the clashes saying federal government will take immediate action to restore peace in the region.

Barre further instructed the Somali National Army to intervene and restore normalcy in the area saying clan clashes presents an opportunity for the Al-Shabaab group to thrive in the region.

“Discussion and reconciliation are the keys to peace and development. I urge all parties involved in the conflicts to stop immediately and avoid falling into the trap that the Al-Shabaab have set to harass our people further,” Barre said.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the Interior ministry to upscale national reconciliation efforts and address factors causing the clashes which has led to several deaths, injuries and loss of property in the Luuq district.

Jubbaland regional state leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe has also called or peace and urged national forces not to takes sides in the conflict.