Galkacyo (WDN)– Authorities in the northern of Gaalkacyo—under Puntland’s jurisdiction—have released a group of elders and businessmen originally from Somalia’s South West State, who had been detained in connection with a blood compensation (mag) dispute.

The men were imprisoned following a deadly altercation between two individuals—one from Puntland and the other from South West State—that resulted in the death of a Puntland native, Cabdifataax Ismaaciil Xaashi. In response, relatives of the deceased detained elders and traders from the same community as the alleged perpetrator, demanding traditional compensation.

The case quickly drew widespread attention on social media, with many condemning the extrajudicial detention of the elders and calling for a lawful resolution.

Speaking to the media, Faysal Sheikh Ali, the Governor of Mudug for Puntland, confirmed that both parties had agreed to a blood compensation settlement amounting to $40,000 USD. Of that sum, he said, Puntland authorities paid $20,000.

Governor Faysal expressed gratitude to Puntland MPs and local politicians who contributed to the settlement, saying their efforts helped bring the matter to a peaceful resolution.

“The family of the deceased has been handed $30,000 so far, with Puntland’s government covering $20,000,” said the governor. “The remaining $10,000 will be paid later, and I thank the people of Mudug for seeking legal redress instead of retaliation.”

The elders and businessmen, who had been held for several days, were reunited with their families following the deal, which was negotiated through traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. The incident, and a widely circulated video showing the arrested elders, had sparked outrage and debate across Somali media and social platforms.

Local authorities hope the settlement will serve as a model for de-escalating future clan-related tensions through dialogue and due process.

WardheerNews