Galkayo (KAAB TV) – In recent hours, Somali social media platforms have been abuzz with reports of the arrest of several individuals from the South West State in Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region.
The Governor of Mudug, Faisal Sheikh Ali (commonly known as Jifi-jabsade), addressed the media to clarify the situation. He denied that the men were unlawfully detained, stating that the arrests were made with mutual agreement.
According to Governor Jifi-jabsade, one of the detained individuals is related to a man who allegedly killed a resident of Galkayo 19 years ago. Following the incident, the alleged perpetrator was reportedly deported to Yemen. The governor claims that the families of both parties had since reached an agreement to detain the relatives of the accused to secure long-overdue compensation.
“There was mutual consent. The tribes agreed that the arrests would proceed under these terms. This is not just about one region—people from Baidoa, Jawhar, and Kismayo are united. They choose one leader to represent them, and we respect that. But a man was killed 19 years ago, and no compensation has ever been paid,” said Jifi-jabsade.
Despite the governor’s explanation, the arrest of these elders has stirred widespread debate and condemnation. Many have called on Puntland authorities to release the detained individuals immediately and ensure justice is pursued through legal and transparent means.