MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somali youth have launched an online campaign to raise awareness against clan conflicts amid ongoing deadly clashes between rival factions across the southern, central, and northern regions of the country.
In the Mudug region of central Somalia, clashes involving clan militias have resulted in civilian casualties and the displacement of hundreds of locals.
Similarly, in Hiiraan, gunmen ambushed and killed six Somali soldiers traveling through El Baraf town last month due to clan conflicts.
Meanwhile, in Galgadud, central Somalia, and Sanaag regions, clan militias continue to engage in deadly exchanges, escalating tensions with heavy weapons pouring into these areas.
Dr. Abdirahim Awiye, a university student currently based in Kampala, Uganda, along with his colleagues, initiated an online campaign named ‘Stop the Clan Fighting’.
The campaign, primarily active on Facebook and TikTok—popular platforms among Somali youth—aims to address the alarming levels of bloodshed in their country.
Speaking to Kaab TV, Dr. Awiye emphasized, “Those killed and displaced are our brothers and sisters, which is why we started this campaign.”
Reflecting on historical parallels, he drew inspiration from the Somali Youth League (SYL), a group that played a crucial role in Somalia’s independence struggle over six decades ago.
Dr. Awiye and his peers are determined to harness a similar spirit of unity to end the divisive clan-based conflicts that have plagued Somalia.
“I urge every Somali man and woman to use their social media platforms to promote peace and unity among their followers and influence their friends,” he urged.
Ahmed Muse, another local actively engaged in spreading awareness, blends traditional music with messages of brotherhood and coexistence in his videos.
He expressed frustration that many young men and women involved in clan conflicts use social media to perpetuate violence, emphasizing that such actions only lead to destruction rather than victory for any clan.
While these efforts aim to steer social media towards positive change, there remains widespread misuse by armed groups across Somalia.
Militias often exploit these platforms to share violent content, including graphic images and videos, depicting their perceived victories in conflicts.
Recently, Somalis condemned the circulation of disturbing videos and photos from the Mudug region, highlighting the inhumane conditions faced by captives and casualties.
Through initiatives like ‘Stop the Clan Fighting’, Somali youth are striving to counter these negative trends, advocating for peace, unity, and a cessation of violence that continues to destabilize their communities.