Galkacyo (WDN) – Galkacyo a major commercial hub in central Somalia that connects the north and south of the country, has seen a surge in clan disputes. The Puntland government is preparing a strong response to clan-based violence in Galkacyo, signaling a broader push to restore law and order in the Mudug region.

Governor Faisal Sheikh Ali (Jifo-jabsade) announced that trained security forces will be deployed to the city to tackle the rise in revenge killings linked to longstanding clan disputes. The move comes as local residents have expressed growing concern over the escalation of armed conflicts and public insecurity.

According to the governor, carrying firearms within the city will soon be banned, and anyone involved in killings or revenge attacks will be subject to legal action. Some local elders have reportedly endorsed the measures, highlighting a collaborative effort between Puntland authorities and traditional leadership to enforce peace.

“The goal is to reach a point where no one carries a gun and the community feels safe,” Governor Jifo-jabsade said. He emphasized that revenge killings and vigilantism will not be tolerated, noting that the law will apply to everyone, including those involved in past clan disputes.

The crackdown reflects Puntland’s broader strategy to maintain stability in a region historically plagued by inter-clan rivalries. Galkacyo’s location, straddling northern and southern Mudug, makes it a critical city for both security and governance, with local militia power often complicating federal and regional authority.

The deployment of professional forces is seen as an effort to assert state authority over informal clan justice systems while reducing the cycle of retaliatory violence. Experts note that such interventions, if paired with dialogue and community engagement, can strengthen Puntland’s institutional credibility and deter armed conflict in the long term.

With revenge killings on the rise, this initiative represents a pivotal test for Puntland’s ability to enforce the rule of law, maintain public trust, and manage the delicate balance between modern governance and traditional clan structures.

WardheerNews