Who is “Qoyane,” the Al-Shabaab commander killed by pro-government Macawisley militia in Somalia?

MOGADISHU, Oct 14 – Armed men from the pro-government Macawisley clan militia killed Ali Ahmed Guure, known as “Qoyane,” a senior Al-Shabaab commander, in the village of Mabaax located between Moqokori and Aadan Yabaal in Somalia’s Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, militia sources said on Monday.

Qoyane was sentenced to death in 2019 by Somalia’s military court for orchestrating a bombing that killed the former deputy mayor of Maxaas district, who was assassinated the same year.

Cali Jeyte, a leader of the Macawisley militia, said Qoyane was responsible for attacks on convoys traveling between Beledweyne and Maxaas during clashes in Matabaan district, killing over 20 people and burning vehicles.

“Qoyane was a man who consistently terrorized local civilians, especially nomadic communities,” Jeyte said.

He added that Qoyane’s tactic involved dividing local populations by releasing some people and killing others to sow fear and assert control.

The killings of civilians between Maxaas and Beledweyne, attributed to Qoyane and Al-Shabaab, sparked an armed uprising led by the Macawisley militia and allied local forces that resulted in significant territorial losses for the militant group in Hiiraan, although some areas were later retaken.

Jeyte said the conflict started before the killings, with fighting intensifying in August 2022, uniting local communities against Al-Shabaab.

“The death of Qoyane is seen by the local population as a relief and the removal of an enemy,” Jeyte said.

GAROWE ONLINE