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Power struggle flares in Yaqbariweyne as militias, South West State forces battle for revenue control


Monday October 28, 2024


Residents and local leaders gather under the welcoming archway of Yaaqbariweyne in the Lower Shabelle region, Somalia, as tensions build over control of the area.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Tensions surged in Yaqbariweyne today as South West State forces prepared to wrest control of the region from local militias, fueling concerns of renewed conflict over control and tax authority.

According to sources in Yaqbariweyne, both sides have mobilized forces, leaving the community in a state of heightened alert. Reports on the ground suggest that South West State forces aim to establish dominance over the town, which has remained largely under the sway of armed militias in recent months.

Earlier clashes erupted just two days ago, with reports indicating six fatalities across both factions. This latest skirmish marked another episode in a protracted struggle between South West State forces and militia groups, who have been clashing intermittently as they vie for control.

Central to this standoff is reportedly a disagreement over local tax collection practices. Armed militias have reportedly imposed taxes on Yaqbariweyne residents, a practice the South West State administration has condemned as illegal. The financial dispute has fueled further unrest, with South West State forces challenging the militias’ authority to extract revenues from the town.

With forces positioned on both sides and the potential for clashes growing, the struggle over control and resources in this strategic Lower Shabelle town has left the local community facing mounting instability.
 



 





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