Clashes between rival state forces in Somalia kill 18, displace 75,000: UN

Renewed clashes between forces from the Somali states of Galmudug and Puntland in the central town of Galkayo have killed 18 people, injured 60 and displaced 75,000 others in the past three weeks, a UN agency said Monday.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report the latest fighting erupted on Saturday, leaving six people dead, 21 injured and thousands of people displaced to the outskirts of the town.

Civilians were among those killed and injured, the report said.

"By Oct. 23 humanitarian partners in Galkayo now estimate that over 75,000 people have been displaced, but local authorities have indicated that the number could be higher as more people continue to flee the violence," the report said.

Fresh clashes between the rival forces broke out in Galkayo on Oct. 7. A peace agreement reached between clan elders two days later was shattered less than 24 hours after it was signed.

Galkayo is divided into two districts, with Galmudug state governing the southern district and Puntland state the northern district. The town has an estimated population of more than 270,000 people, according to UN figures.

The Somali government is said to be making efforts to restore peace in Galkayo.

In December 2015, when there were clashes between the rival states in Galkayo, the federal government and regional blocs like IGAD brokered talks that led to a cessation of hostilities.

A suggestion made during the talks that a joint committee be established to look into the root causes of the fighting and avoid future conflict did not take off. Endit