MOGADISHU, Somalia – Al-Shabaab militants have lifted a 10-year blockade on several towns in Somalia’s Baay and Bakool regions, allowing vehicles carrying goods to enter for the first time in over a decade, local sources confirmed Monday.
The towns of Hudur, Wajid, Dinsoor, and Qansahdhere, located in the two regions, saw an influx of commercial vehicles on Sunday and Monday, according to residents speaking to HornLife, a Somali news outlet. The deliveries, carried out by traders from the area, mark a significant shift for communities long stifled by the militant group’s restrictions.
The blockade’s end has eased harsh living conditions for residents, who faced severe hardships due to Al-Shabaab’s control, which limited access to essential supplies. Local sources said the decision followed negotiations between community elders, traders, and the group, leading to an agreement to lift the restrictions.
However, unverified reports suggest Al-Shabaab may have strategic motives, possibly redirecting fighters from Baay and Bakool to intensify conflicts in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.
Residents celebrated the development, with videos circulating on social media showing joyous scenes in the newly accessible towns. Baay and Bakool remain key Al-Shabaab strongholds, hosting major bases and so-called courts used to govern local populations.
South West State authorities have not yet commented on the blockade’s lifting or the arrival of goods in the affected towns. The blockade had fueled humanitarian crises in the region, and its removal is expected to significantly improve living conditions for local communities.
