SomDaily – November 14, 2024:- A delegation of traditional elders and government officials arrived in Hudur, the administrative capital of Bakool region, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with the aim of mediating a conflict that has rocked the town in recent weeks. According to sources close to both the Southwest State government and the local community, the delegation’s primary objective is to resolve tensions between the Hudur administration and local residents, following a violent clash that led to the deaths of three individuals.
The mediation team, which includes officials from the Southwest State Ministry of Justice and prominent Hadamo elders from Mogadishu and Baidoa, is scheduled to meet with various community representatives and members of the Hadame clan. Their goal is to facilitate dialogue between the disputing parties and find a pathway toward resolving the violence that has disrupted daily life in Hudur.
Sources within the community have described a tense atmosphere, with some local residents expressing reluctance to engage with the government representatives, citing concerns over perceived biases and a lack of transparency in prior investigations. Despite this, the arrival of the traditional elders has been met with cautious optimism, as many residents see them as neutral parties capable of fostering reconciliation and ensuring justice is served.
The conflict in Hudur comes at a time when the region is already grappling with significant challenges, including the ongoing threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants and the strain of both natural and man-made disasters. For years, Hudur and the surrounding Bakool region have been deeply affected by conflict, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis, making the need for a peaceful resolution even more urgent.
The mediation efforts, though still in the early stages, have been welcomed by the public, who hope that the talks will lead to a lasting peace and restore stability to a district that has long been struggling with the consequences of both violent conflict and environmental hardship.