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News: At least 35 killed in land dispute clashes between "pastoralists and gov't militias" in Dacawaley, Somali region: Sources

The aftermath of the conflict in Dacawaley. (Photo: Social media/ Screenshoot)

Addis Abeba– More than 35 people were killed and several others injured in an armed conflict between “local pastoralists” and government militias on 25 December, 2024, in Dacawaley kebele, Harshin district, Fafan zone of the Somali Regional State, sources told Addis Standard.

A source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the conflict began early Wednesday morning when “special police forces” from the zone and militias from the neighboring Yoale District attacked Dacawaley.

The source added that the violence was a continuation of clashes that began on 19 December, triggered by a longstanding land dispute between two subclans—Isaaq and Ogaden—residing in the area. The source alleged that local militia intervention in the initial conflict resulted in more than six deaths.

According to the informant, elders from Harshin district had traveled to Dacawaley Kebele to mediate the earlier conflict. However, they were reportedly ambushed yesterday by local militias, leading to the deaths of some elders and the abduction of several others.

A second informant offered a different account, stating that pastoral clans in the area have had protracted disputes over land. This informant noted that tensions escalated on November 20, 2024, when an armed group killed the head of Yoale district’s security office along with two civilians.

The source also said that on 19 December, armed men attacked a reconciliation committee formed to address the tensions, injuring one soldier. The informant claimed that armed groups have since launched multiple attacks, with the latest violence involving armed groups from the neighboring Somaliland breakaway region.

In a statement released yesterday, Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, condemned the attack allegedly carried out by “special police forces,” describing the incident as “a massacre” targeting “innocent civilians, primarily pastoralists, in an act that flagrantly violates human rights and the principles of governance.” He also accused the “special police” of abducting Somaliland elders who had traveled to mediate the conflict, calling it “a grave offense and a clear violation of international norms.”

The minister added, “The special police must be held accountable for these heinous crimes.” He confirmed that Somaliland had communicated its concerns to Ethiopian authorities and scheduled a meeting to discuss the incident.

Abdi (a pseudonym), another source close to the matter, alleged that zonal and militia forces from Yoale District were responsible for yesterday’s attack. He reported that the assault left several individuals dead, with militia forces “destroying the homes of the local community using bulldozers and setting some houses on fire.” He added that many residents have fled to forested areas, fearing further violence.

Another informant, who has close ties to the Somali Regional Government, alleged that yesterday’s attack was instigated by “militias hailing from neighboring Somaliland.”

“They arrived in heavy trucks and were equipped with weapons that surpass what Somali Regional security forces possess,” the informant said.

The source further stated that the regional government had sought to resolve the land dispute in the area through peaceful means. However, he claimed these efforts were obstructed by the presence of armed militants from Somaliland.

Addis Standard could not independently verify these reports due to network disruptions in the area. The Somali Regional government has not commented on the matter as of this reporting. AS

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