GALKAYO, Somalia (Kaab TV) – A new wave of clan-related revenge killings has shaken Galkayo, the divided central Somali city in the Mudug region, prompting local officials, youth groups, and community members to raise alarms over the rising insecurity.
On June 7, gunmen abducted and killed Sa’id Guure Ali Baar, a taxi driver, and his passenger Anab Burhan Mohamed in a brazen daylight attack.
Both were shot at point-blank range, and the perpetrators fled the scene.
Local authorities believe the double murder is part of a retaliatory cycle stemming from earlier inter-clan violence, indicating a resurgence of revenge killings that had long plagued the region.
Anab, a young woman and victim of the attack, was the daughter of Burhan Mohamed Abdi, a well-known journalist and former director of Radio Galkayo.
Her burial took place the following day, with an outpouring of condolences from the public to the grieving family.
In response to the killings, the Galkayo Youth Movement — a civic group recently active in addressing social issues — released a statement on June 10 urging government officials, elders, and the wider public to confront the growing threat of clan-based violence.
“Clan-based divisions are an issue that needs to be addressed collectively, honestly, and with the investment of time, resources, and intellect,” the group said, expressing concern over the increasing recurrence of such attacks.
The youth called on the Puntland authorities, who administer northern Galkayo, to enhance police operations and increase security patrols in vulnerable areas.
Galkayo has historically been a hotspot for clan conflict, but the city has enjoyed over a decade of relative stability following reconciliation efforts. The city is divided between two federal member states: Galmudug governs the southern part, while Puntland controls the north.
Recent skirmishes between members of the Leelkase and Habargidir clans in western Galkayo have sparked fears of renewed instability across the city.
Puntland’s Mudug regional governor, Faisal Sheikh Ali, confirmed that the authorities are actively addressing the escalating situation. Last week, he hosted a meeting focused on curbing clan revenge killings.
The meeting — organized by local youth — brought together religious leaders, businesspeople, and members of the local council to discuss coordinated efforts to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.