At least 11 killed, 20 injured in clan clashes in western Mudug region

At least 11 people, including civilians, have been killed and 20 others injured in renewed clan conflicts in the western Mudug region over the past two days. 

The violence erupted between two clan militia groups from Puntland and Galmudug states over a land dispute in the Jiicbor rural area. The clashes have displaced numerous families, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region. 

The intellectuals, traditional elders, and officials from both Galmudug and Puntland are currently working to mediate and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Displaced residents have expressed hope that the ongoing peace initiatives will bring an end to the violence. 

Clan conflicts have surged across Somalia in recent months, with violence reported in Mudug, Galgadud, and Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. The renewed clashes have drawn condemnation from former Somali Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who described the violence as a grave threat to national unity and stability.