Military court recommends criminal investigations into four state officials in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Four top officials will have a day with Somalia sleuths over alleged role in inter-clan conflicts in several parts of Somalia, reports indicate, with the country registering over 80 deaths.

Parts of HirShabelle, Southwest, and Juba regions are worst hit, in unprecedented violence which has triggered the displacement of thousands of people amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Those in the radar include Wanlawayn District Commissioner, two legislators, and another ex-Southwest MP. The two sitting MPs come from Southwest and HirShabelle, authorities said. The district is the worst hit with the violence.

Investigations were done by a team of officials from the court-martial and Criminal Investigations Department following outrage from among members of the community, who accused FGS of failing to protect them from the clan militia.

Last week, Col. Hassan A. Nor, a renowned judge within the army, regretted that warlords have eroded gains made by the Horn of Africa nation, adding that "we cannot allow this backwardness" to ruin Somalia's reputation.

While addressing the media on Wednesday, Col. Hassan said "enough is enough" and asked authorities to press charges against war merchants" who had fueled animosity especially in the southern part of the nation.

Ordinarily, such crimes are supposed to be prosecuted in a civilian court, but it's not clear why the military, which usually handles terrorists, decided to take the matter for action.

The team has not, however, revealed some of the intricate information about the actual roles played by the four leaders in the violence. But according to sources, the accused financed and incited rival clans.

Some clan militia has been unleashing against civilians in Lower Shebelle, Lower Juba and in the vicinity of Dinsor town within the Bay region, reports indicate. But the commercial town of Wanlawayn is the worst hit.

There has been a collective effort by government bureaucrats to quell tensions, which are occasioned by traditional political grudges, economic marginalization, and the vicious land use, officials said.

According to reports, over 30 people have been killed in Lower Jubba, particularly in West of Kismayo. In Wanlawayn town of Lower Shebelle, 24 people have also lost their lives, reports indicate.

The same scenario was witnessed in Dinsor, Bay region, where at least seven people have also lost their lives. Data collected by observers and official indicate that over 90 percent of victims are innocent civilians.

Traditionally, inter-clan conflicts in Somalia have been the source of instability, where proponents fight for control of geopolitics, resources and at times land use. The fighting triggered the ouster of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

But the latest development, in which senior officials are targeted, could give the country hope, given that Somalia is preparing for December polls. International partners have been pushing for stability.

Inter-clan conflicts could also pave way for a resurgence of Al-Shabaab militants, who have been crushed in several parts of Somalia. The team has significantly lost some of its large swathes in central and southern Somalia, authorities said.

Since January, about 60 militants have been killed in US airstrike within central and southern Somalia. Within the same period, the US has launched 39 record airstrikes, officials said.

GAROWE ONLINE