Gaalkacyo Deserves Development, Not Recurring Conflict

By Mohammed A Mohammud (Baldho)

Introduction

Few Somali cities symbolise both the promise and the tragedy of Somalia as profoundly as Galkacyo. Situated at the heart of the country, the city has long served as a commercial gateway linking northern and southern Somalia. It is a place where trade, pastoral livelihoods and entrepreneurship have flourished despite decades of political instability. Yet, instead of becoming a model of national integration and economic growth, Gaalkacyo has repeatedly been reduced to a battleground for political competition and inter-clan tensions.

Today, once again emerge of military reinforcements and rising tensions in and around the city, Gaalkacyo residents should ask a simple but urgent question: have we learnt anything from the past? The answer, regrettably, appears to be no.