Fight over bridge construction claims 15 lives in Beletweyne

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HIRSHABELLE: At least 20 people have been killed and scores injured in the last two weeks following clan clashes in Beletweyne and Jowhar both in HirShabelle state.

Clashes broke out between Makane and Jijeelle clans in the outskirts of Beletwyene following disputes over a bridge which was to be constructed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in the area. According to sources who spoke to Goobjoog News, the two clans differed on the construction of the bridge.

One side supported its construction while the other claimed ownership of the land leading to the deadly fight, several sources said. Fighting broke out in Baladul Amin, Ba’ad Buuke and other localities resulting in the death of 15 people.

Several other people were admitted to local medical facilities. Goobjoog News correspondent in the area reports that government soldiers briefly intervened but later left as fighting intensified.

In a similar development, six people among them two senior officials attached to the office of HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe were killed Wednesday following a deadly clash between Ma’awisley, a local militia and government forces in Jowhar. The militia group sprang up in 2019 against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Meanwhile, reconciliation talks opened in Beletweyne today to resolve hostilities between the two warring clans in the area. Deputy federal defence minister Abdifatah Qasim is leading the talks which bring together elders and local administration officials.