Over ten individuals have been reported killed in violent clashes in Da’awaley, Somaliland, where clan militias and regional state forces engaged in conflict. The Somaliland government condemned the actions of the Somali Regional State Liyu Police as a massacre and emphasized the need for accountability. Clashes stem from long-standing territorial disputes between rival clans, exacerbating tensions in the area.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (HORN OBSERVER) – Violent clashes erupted in the village of Da’awaley, located along the border between Ethiopia and Somaliland, resulting in the deaths of over ten individuals and numerous injuries on Wednesday. The conflict involved clan militias alongside regional state forces, significantly heightening tensions within this contentious region. Local reports indicate that the Somali Regional State Liyu Police, with support from the Ogaden clan militia, initiated an early morning assault on Da’awaley, focusing on the Isaaq/Arab clan militia.
The severe violence claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including elders and children, as confirmed by officials in Somaliland. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, the Somaliland Minister of Internal Security, described the initial assault as a “massacre,” condemning the actions of the Liyu Police as an indiscriminate attack on peaceful pastoralists. He stated that such acts violated fundamental human rights and governance principles.
In addition to the fatalities, the Somaliland government reported that the Liyu Police also abducted traditional elders who had traveled to the area for peace negotiations. Minister Arab labeled this abduction as a serious infringement of international standards. As violence persisted, visible destruction spread through Da’awaley, reinforced by photos on social media depicting torched homes and displaced residents. Although the Somali Regional State authorities have not yet issued a formal statement, local media attributed the outbreak of violence to ongoing clan disputes over land ownership in the contested region.
The current conflict in Da’awaley is rooted in long-standing territorial disputes between the Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab clans, both of which assert claims over rural areas near the Ethiopian-Somaliland border. Historical tensions have often flared into violence, particularly in regions where pastoralist livelihoods are entwined with clan identity. Recent hostilities highlight the fragility of peace in areas with overlapping territorial claims and the complexities of local governance amidst clan loyalty dynamics.
In summary, the violent clashes in Da’awaley signify a tragic escalation in ongoing clan conflicts between the Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab groups, leading to numerous casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The Somaliland government has condemned the actions of the Liyu Police, demanding accountability for the violence. The international community must recognize the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent further bloodshed and foster lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
