Jowhar, Somalia — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, has issued a powerful and direct plea for peace, demanding immediate intervention from the Federal Government and the South West State administration to end the catastrophic tribal clashes in the Lower Shabelle region. Speaking during a handover ceremony involving the Director General of the Hirshabelle Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Commissioner Abdulle used the platform to forcefully address the nation’s compounding disaster crises.
The Commissioner highlighted the challenges currently facing the Somali populace, noting that the ongoing climate-induced droughts and the security threats and displacement caused by the Al-Shabaab terror group already represent a dire, life-threatening situation. He stated that adding new tribal warfare to this already grim picture is unconscionable.
Lower Shabelle Crisis: A ‘Grim and Sad’ Situation
Mr. Abdulle reserved strong condemnation for the specific violence gripping areas like Wanlaweyn in Lower Shabelle. He painted a harrowing picture of the situation, detailing how “houses are being burnt down, countless lives lost, and families displaced.”
“The fighting and the brutal killings taking place in Wanlaweyn are extremely regrettable, and we are working to immediately deliver emergency aid there,” said SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moalim Abdulle.
He stressed that the clashes have directly resulted in a new and avoidable humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention.
Al-Shabaab Accused of Incitement
Crucially, the SoDMA Commissioner directly linked the recent resurgence in inter-clan violence to the machinations of the Al-Shabaab group. He stated his firm belief that the terrorist organization is “inciting communities against each other to take advantage of the chaos.” This tactic, he warned, allows Al-Shabaab to exploit the resulting security vacuum and further destabilise the regions.
To counter this calculated fragmentation, Commissioner Abdulle called for a broad societal effort toward reconciliation. He specifically urged civil society, religious leaders, and various community sections to immediately mobilize peace efforts to protect lives and livelihoods.
SoDMA Mobilizes Emergency Response
Commissioner Mohamoud Moalim Abdulle confirmed that SoDMA is fully mobilized and standing by. He announced that his agency has already prepared essential relief items, including medicine, tents, and food, which are ready to be deployed into the affected areas the moment hostilities cease. The agency is prepared to lead the emergency response to mitigate the suffering caused by the conflict.
The Commissioner’s outspoken remarks reflect the increasing urgency within the government to safeguard communities from the dual threat of natural disasters and conflict-driven insecurity, particularly when such conflicts appear to be manipulated by anti-peace elements.
