2.5.3. Galmudug - Checkpoints and road security

In Galmudug, the relative scarcity of checkpoints can be attributed in part to the success of the local actors revenue sharing mechanism1138 and in part to under-reporting issues.1139 For an overview on checkpoints at country level see section 1.7 and Map 4.

UNOCHA reported on humanitarian partners in Xarardheere who experienced ‘extended’ delays at checkpoints, demands for bribes and other protection concerns.1140 In another case, a humanitarian team was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint by clan militia and denied passage while the militia was looking for members of another clan.1141 In February 2025, government forces and allied militias attacked an Al-Shabaab-controlled checkpoint in Xarardheere district that was allegedly used to extort money from civilians and travellers.1142

In September 2023, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for two car bomb attacks in Dhuusamarreeb, targeting the road to the town’s main airport and a checkpoint within the town. The attack happened while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was residing in the town to continue the mobilisation against Al-Shabaab.1143 In July 2024, Al-Shabaab stole arms and ammunition in an attack on a government-escorted convoy in Abudwak district near the Ethiopian border. The weapons had been smuggled into the country and had been seized by the government forces.1144 In July 2024, the SNA reportedly cleared the road between Mesagaway and Barak-Sheikh Amir in Galgaduud region from landmines planted by Al-Shabaab.1145 Mine clearing operations by government forces were also taking place in Ceel Dheere district in December 2023,1146 and on the roads along the Hirshabelle-Galgaduud border regions in May 2024.1147 Several local media reported on landmine explosions killing or injuring civilians, including near Galcad in July 2023,1148 near Ceel Dheer district,1149 and in the Heraale area in July 2024.1150