MIDDLE SHABELLE — Strong reactions have followed the killing of a Somali National Army soldier in the Middle Shabelle region, in an incident believed to be linked to clan tensions.
The soldier, who was reportedly on leave at the time, was travelling toward Hiiraan region when armed local militias allegedly stopped his vehicle in the El-Baraf area of Middle Shabelle.
According to local reports, the men reportedly forced the soldier out of his vehicle before killing him. A video recorded shortly before his death has also circulated, apparently showing the soldier discussing the situation he was facing and people he had encountered.
The circumstances surrounding the video and the identity of those directly responsible for the killing have not been independently confirmed.
The incident has sparked anger among members of the Somali community, with elders and traditional leaders in Hiiraan warning that the killing could trigger further tensions and retaliation if it is not addressed through a prompt and lawful investigation.
Elder Osman Mahmoud, speaking to Goobjoog, strongly condemned the incident and warned that such killings could lead to further revenge attacks, threatening peace and coexistence between communities.
He called on the Somali government to conduct a thorough investigation and take legal action against anyone found responsible for the soldier’s death.
The killing has also revived concerns over a 2024 incident in El-Baraf, in which six government soldiers were reportedly killed in what was described as a clan-related revenge attack.
Those responsible for the 2024 killings have reportedly not been arrested or brought to justice, while questions remain over whether a comprehensive government investigation was conducted into the incident.
The 2024 killings remain unresolved, with no satisfactory solution reached. However, the clan to which the slain soldiers belonged reportedly took action in response to the killings.
The killing of this soldier has heightened concerns that continued lack of accountability could lead to further violence and retaliatory attacks.
The latest incident is raising renewed questions about the safety of government forces travelling through Middle Shabelle and the government’s ability to investigate and prevent clan-related killings.
Local elders and community leaders have urged authorities to investigate both the latest killing and previous incidents, identify those responsible and ensure that justice is served through the law.
