Monday May 6, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Members of Somalia's Federal Parliament have strongly condemned the murder of a prominent elder in the Bardale Malaq district, fearing it may escalate into a broader conflict. Malaaq Manur Yusuf Mohamud, the chief elder of the Leysan (part of the Rahanweyn clan) community, was allegedly killed by security forces loyal to the South West administration in his own home.
MP Mohamed Abukar, a member of the Somali Parliament, directly accused Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the president of the South West Administration, of orchestrating the attack. "Today’s events in Bardale, where Malaaq's home was violently stormed and he was killed, represent a horrifying departure from both Somali and governmental norms," Abukar said. He claimed that Laftagareen had transformed his regime into a militia, causing significant suffering to Bardale's residents.
The attack could complicate the already tense situation in Bardale, a district in the Bay region that has seen recent conflicts between local authorities. The murder of Malaaq Manur Yusuf, a respected traditional figure, has intensified concerns about stability in the area.
Parliamentarians, particularly those from the South West administrative region, expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting its potential to disrupt peace efforts in the region.