BALADWEYNE, Somalia – Somali government held a funeral for six Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers in Baladweyne, Hiran region, about 300 km north of the capital, Mogadishu.
The soldiers were killed last week by armed militias in a clan vendetta in El-Baraf, Middle Shabelle region, about 150 km north of the capital.
Sunday’s burial was attended by hundreds, including family members, army and intelligence chiefs, religious scholars, and local elders, all gathering to honor the fallen soldiers.
Following the burial, local elders called for an end to clan-related violence. “It’s tragic that soldiers defending the nation are killed due to clan vendettas,” they said.
Since then, elders from both the Hawadle and Abgal clans have been in talks to resolve the tensions sparked by the killing of soldiers from the Hawadle clan.
Both sides agreed to first bury the bodies, and this was done on Sunday, then continue their discussions in Baladweyne until an agreement is reached.
Despite the ongoing talks, the Somali military court has ordered the arrest of everyone involved in the killing of the soldiers, demanding they stand trial in Mogadishu.
The court said the soldiers were ambushed and killed while returning home after taking leave from their base, adding that “Any attack on the SNA is unacceptable.”
Clan violence has surged in Somalia since last year, affecting Hiran, Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and Mudug regions, leaving hundreds dead and many homeless.
