Sunday August 25, 2024
Baidoa (HOL) – Southwest Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs on Saturday condemned illegal checkpoints as a substantial threat to Somalia's development, peace, and unity, particularly in the Southwest state.
The Ministry released a press release highlighting the detrimental impact of these checkpoints, which interest groups reportedly use to extort money from people and public vehicles traveling on critical roads. The checkpoints have increased the region's insecurity, economic stagnation, social isolation, and widespread suspicion.
The Ministry also supported ongoing security operations dismantling these illegal roadblocks and reiterated its commitment to eradicating practices that undermine peace and stability.
"We assert the necessity of fighting against and eliminating those who violate and oppose peace, causing suffering to the poor people traveling on the roads of the Southwest Government of Somalia," the statement read.
The Ministry's statement follows a recent operation by Southwest State security forces targeted illegal roadblocks set up by a clan militia in the Yaqbari Weyne district of Lower Shabelle.
Southwest State Security Minister Hassan Abd Qadir Mohamed told local media that the administration had first attempted to negotiate with the militia responsible for the roadblocks, but their refusal to cooperate led to the confrontation.
The roadblocks located along the road connecting the Wanlaweyn and Burhakaba districts were reportedly being used to extort money, worsening the region's insecurity and hindering development efforts.