Armed clashes erupted today in Qansaxdheere district in Somalia’s Bay region between forces affiliated with the South West State administration and an opposition group identifying itself as the South West Salvation Forces.

The commander leading the opposition forces involved in the fighting told Mustaqbal Media that the confrontation stems from long-standing grievances related to what they describe as the denial of their rights. According to the commander, members of the force have been deprived of their entitlements for nearly 15 years, including salaries and food rations to which they claim they are entitled.

He further stated that Qansaxdheere district had been under prolonged isolation and that several soldiers from their ranks lost their lives during previous operations aimed at liberating the area from militant control.

According to the commander, no reconstruction efforts were carried out in the district after it was liberated, and the concerns of the soldiers have remained unresolved.

The commander also called on South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” to hold elections in order to enable political change. He added that during the clashes that occurred earlier today in Qansaxdheere, one individual—whom he described as a member of forces supporting the South West administration—was injured, while he claimed that his side did not suffer any casualties.

Tensions remain high in Qansaxdheere district. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the South West State administration regarding the fighting that took place today.