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Health workers killed for clan revenge in Galkayo

 


 By: Daud 

Doctors Killed in Galkayo in September 2023 & September 2025

Overview

Galkayo, a city in the Mudug region of Somalia divided administratively between Puntland (north) and Galmudug (south), has seen recurring violence tied to inter-clan (tribal) conflict. Among the more troubling incidents are the targeted killings of health workers—specifically, two medical doctors—in September 2023 and September 2025. These incidents have raised serious concerns about security, justice, and the ability of health systems in conflict-affected zones to function safely.

Incident 1: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama — September 2023

  • Date & Place: Around 10 September 2023, in Galkayo town (northern side) in a health centre. allAfrica.com+4hiiraan.com+4sooha.org+4

  • Victim: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama, a young and prominent doctor.

  • Circumstances:

    • An armed man wearing a security uniform, along with two unarmed individuals, entered the health centre.

    • The attacker opened fire, killing Dr. Jama on the spot. CCTV footage captured the attack.

    • Perpetrators fled immediately. No arrests were reported at the time.

  • Probable Motivations: The killing is widely believed to have been part of clan-revenge or inter-clan retaliation dynamics.

  • Aftermath and Community Response:

    • Doctors in Galkayo went on strike to demand that security agencies arrest the perpetrators.

    • Local authorities condemned the act and said investigations were launched. However, concerns persisted about impunity and the inability of security forces to effectively prevent such attacks.

Incident 2: Dr. Omar Abdi Dahir — September 2025

  • Date & Place: On or about 10 September 2025, in Galkayo, specifically in the Horumar neighbourhood; the clash stemmed from earlier violence in Towfiiq area. hiiraan.com+2en.kaabtv.com+

  • Victim: Dr. Omar Abdi Dahir, a young medical doctor serving in Galkayo.

  • Circumstances:

    • He was caught in clan militia violence (inter-clan clash) that broke out between rival militias.

    • He was killed during this confrontation on a night of violence. Other people were also killed or wounded.

  • Probable Motivations: Again, clan rivalry / militia reprisals are cited as central factors. The killing is treated as a revenge attack.

  • Aftermath and Community Response:

    • His death revived memories of Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama’s killing in 2023.

    • Calls have been made from civil society and healthcare workers for improved security, justice for the victims, and for authorities (both in Puntland and Galmudug) to take concrete steps to prevent

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