Fear and concerns grow after Villa Somalia begins mobilizing tribal militias

State-run media in Somalia has shown images purported to be local tribal militias in the Guriceel district that are expected to take part in military operations targeting the last two remaining Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Galgaduud region.

These last two remaining strongholds are Ceel-Buur and Galhareeri, which have been under the rule of Al-Shabaab for the past 15 years.

The decision by the government to begin propping up tribal militias once again has raised alarm bells as well as doubts with many Somalis.

When Villa Somalia began propping up tribal militias in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle region, it led to an increase in communal violence and clashes between warring clans with a flow of government weapons fueling the havoc.

The government had no control over the tribal militias it was propping up and fears are growing once again that history will repeat itself with Villa Somalia propping up tribal militias in Galgaduud.

Daljir Media Service Desk