Five people in clan clashes in Marka

At least five people have been killed in renewed inter-clan clashes in the past two days in Marka town of Lower Shabelle region, residents said on Wednesday.

Rival clan militias engaged in street battles on Sunday in the town of Marka following a dispute over the control of the town, witnesses said.

Mohamed Osman Ali in Marko town said five people including fighters from the opposing sub-clans were killed in the clashes.

“The fighting affected the residents of Marka town, some 100 outside Somali capital, Mogadishu,” said Ali.

According to residents the fighting has also affected business as most people are staying indoors and businesses are closed.

Elder, Abdi Khaliif Ghuleh called on all groups to initiate an immediate ceasefire.

“I call for an immediate end to hostilities. All parties must refrain from violent actions, make immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and compromise.”  Ghuleh said.

Marka, a town riddled with past explosive attacks from Al-Shabaab is incessant inter clan fighting between clans.