North Western State of Somalia calls for ceasefire after deadly clan clashes in Sanaag

Thursday May 7, 2026

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia authorities on Thursday appealed for calm in the Carmale area of Erigavo district in Sanaag, where fierce inter-clan fighting has left dozens dead, according to local reports.

Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab “Sandheere” said the clashes have inflicted heavy losses and pushed the government to hold an emergency meeting focused on stopping the violence.

He said security forces and local administrations in the area had been instructed to take part in mediation efforts and help bring an end to the fighting between the rival clans.

The minister also called on residents to back peace efforts and work with authorities to prevent the bloodshed from spreading further.

“We must save more lives from this ongoing conflict,” he said.

Senior officials from the Sanaag regional administration and the Ministry of Interior echoed the call for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the situation could deteriorate further unless urgent mediation takes place.

Sanaag regional governor Mohamud Raage Ibrahim described the violence as tragic and needless, saying too many lives had been lost in disputes that should never have escalated into armed conflict.

“We are deeply saddened by this war. It is painful that brothers are killing each other in such a brutal way,” the governor said. “We call for an immediate end to the fighting.”

He added that regional officials, elders and intellectuals are already engaged in peace initiatives and are arranging delegations to help resolve the dispute.

Local reports say at least 23 people killed in the clashes were buried in a mass grave in Carmale. Sources said the violence stemmed from disputes over grazing land and long-running clan tensions.