Somalia’s Interior Ministry calls for calm amid rising Community tensions in Lower Shabelle

Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation has appealed for calm and restraint amid rising tensions in parts of the Lower Shabelle region, warning against actions that could fuel conflict and undermine national stability.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said it was closely monitoring developments related to inter-community disputes, security concerns and activities that could threaten public order in areas of Lower Shabelle.

The ministry urged all parties to “refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation and any actions that could escalate the situation, emphasizing that disputes leading to violence, displacement or divisions among communities pose a serious threat to peace, reconciliation and national unity”.

It also warned individuals and groups against spreading hate speech, incitement or misinformation, stressing that extremist and criminal elements often exploit such situations to destabilize communities and undermine Somalia’s security.

The ministry reaffirmed that, in line with the country’s constitution and laws, security agencies and relevant authorities have been directed to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate legal action against anyone found inciting violence, disrupting public order or threatening social cohesion.

The statement concluded with a call for regional administrations, traditional elders, religious leaders, women, youth and the wider Somali public to work together to defuse tensions, promote dialogue and strengthen peaceful coexistence among communities.

The appeal comes as the federal government continues efforts to preserve stability and encourage reconciliation in areas affected by local disputes.

Mustaqbal