The President of the South West State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), has sent an urgent peace appeal to the warring communities in the Wala-weyn district of the Lower Shabelle region.
The President described the violence that took place in Wala-weyn last week as “unacceptable”, insisting that the conflict must end immediately to save lives and the unity of the community.
“I send a message of peace to the people of Wala-weyn and surrounding areas, following the tragic events that have occurred in the last seven days,” Laftagareen said.
Laftagareen condemned the burning of houses, the loss of life and property, stressing that the people of South West will never accept sectarian violence while facing difficult circumstances including drought, humanitarian challenges and the fight against the Al-Shabaab group.
The fighting in recent days in Wala-weyn has been between local communities, resulting in deaths, injuries and property damage that have further strained the lives of the local community.
Laftagareen called on traditional elders, scholars, youth and women to work towards ending the conflict, and to support the peace efforts of the administration and security agencies.
