Ten traditional elders from the Geelidle clan have reportedly been arrested in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, and are being held at a police station in the city.
The arrests have raised concern among some local residents, particularly because traditional elders play an important role in community affairs, including reconciliation, dispute resolution, dialogue and mediation.
Their detention comes at a time when communities in Baidoa are calling for greater stability and dialogue, prompting calls for authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
The elders reportedly detained are:
- Samadoon Raage Ali Macallin Geelidle — Wardheere Cabokoroow
- Samadoon Barre Aadan Ali Geelidle — Wardheere Cabow Birkaan
- Samadoon Abdifatah Kuusoow Geelidle — Wardheere Cabow Kalin
- Samadoon Hassan Ali Mohamed Geelidle — Wardheere Cabow Dhure
- Samadoon Mukhtaar Baniin Geelidle — Wardheere Cabow Abdalla
- Samadoon Haji Mohamed Miiris Geelidle — Hibiloowe Cabow Ali
- Samadoon Ali Nur Geddi Ahmed Geelidle — Hibiloowe Majar
- Samadoon Aweys Sheikh Ali Ibrahim Geelidle — Hibiloowe Gaalbuudle
- Samadoon Hassan Miiris Abdi Geelidle — Hibiloowe Gamaas
- Samadoon Mohamed Ibrahim Geelidle — Hibiloowe Cabow Aadan
Concerned residents are urging the South West State administration and security authorities to take immediate steps to ease tensions and provide a clear explanation for the arrests.
They have also called on the authorities to respect the traditional role of elders and ensure that any action taken against them is conducted through a clear and lawful process.
Traditional elders remain influential actors in Somali communities, particularly in mediating clan disputes, facilitating reconciliation and encouraging dialogue.
Some residents therefore argue that tensions of this nature should be addressed through consultation, persuasion and peaceful dialogue rather than measures that could further deepen divisions within the community.
The calls come amid broader political and security tensions in Baidoa and South West State, where disagreements involving political actors, local communities and federal authorities have periodically increased pressure on the city.
Residents are ultimately calling on the South West administration and security agencies to de-escalate the situation, clarify the legal basis for the elders’ detention and release them if there is no lawful justification for keeping them in custody, in order to protect peace, stability and social cohesion in Baidoa.