Central Somali clans put conflict behind to jointly repair village’s only water well

Pastoralists in Kaalmoole in central Somalia’s Mudug region have put their long-held differences aside to jointly rebuild the village’s only well so that everyone can receive free water during this time of harsh drought…

One of the clans that was forced out of the village in a conflict between them 30 years ago returned in early December after rainfall greened the grazing land in this part of Jarriban district.

A committee of elders was formed from both clans, which requested a local borehole drilling company Wadaagsin to help them excavate and restore the only well in the village without charge.

The chairman of the committee of elders, Abdi Said Ali, said they focused on correcting past mistakes and providing people with access to safe drinking water.  The locals from both clans paid small fees for the shaping and lining of the well opening. The two clans also contributed and slaughtered animals to feed the Wadaagsin workers whilst they were on site.

“We took it on ourselves to work towards peace, since without peace there is no life. We brought the people together and raised peace awareness in the community. We asked the people to co-exist peacefully and avoid conflict and as of now there have been no problems,” Abdi Said Ali said.