Marehan Ugas leader killed

The Ugas (the highest traditional leader) of the Marehan, Ugas Siraj Ugas Farah Ugas Abdille, was killed on Monday evening by a lone gunman, sources in Abudwaq town, Galgadud Region, central Somalia, told IRIN. “The Ugas and a man who was with him were shot dead as they walked out of the maghrib prayers,” Abdidahir Warsame said. The killer, who was identified only as Agey, also belonged to the Marehan clan, and his motives were unknown, Warsame said. The culprit and his brother were now in custody and awaiting a decision from elders, he added.

Clan elders have been constantly meeting since Monday night to try and calm the situation. The incident could create an all-out Marehan war, and, if not rapidly contained, “will have repercussions in Kismayo and Gedo regions”, where there was a large Marehan presence, he said. Somali political sources told IRIN that it was “highly unusual” for an Ugas to be killed by members of his own clan, and revenge killings within the clan were likely to follow, targeting the most important clan and sub-clan figures.