Governor Mohamed Khalif raises alarm over alleged spillover of Jubaland forces into Kenya
Residents maintained that the soldiers had crossed into Kenya after fleeing Bulla Hawa, a Somali town recently recaptured by the Somali National Army following a week-long battle that displaced hundreds of people, many of whom sought refuge in Mandera town.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif has raised concerns over the alleged spillover of Jubaland forces into Mandera, describing it as a threat to security and national sovereignty.
Speaking on Friday during the launch of a dialysis centre and the laying of a foundation stone for MRI and specialist clinics at the Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the governor warned that the presence of foreign forces undermines Kenya’s sovereignty.
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“Good health is inseparable from peace and security. Recently, fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces spilt across our border, disrupting lives and threatening the safety of our people. Disturbingly, some of those forces have been hosted within Kenyan territory, compromising our national sovereignty and endangering our citizens. As the Governor of Mandera, I strongly condemn this," he said.
"The safety and security of our people is non-negotiable. We call on all actors, local, regional, and international, to respect our borders and support peace and stability in the region,” he added.
The governor also expressed gratitude to local security agencies for their vigilance, as well as to non-governmental organisations supporting internally displaced persons and refugees, many of whom have been sheltered in local schools.
“The solidarity displayed during this difficult period is a testament to our resilience as a community,” he added.
Earlier this month, Mandera residents staged protests demanding the immediate withdrawal of Jubaland forces from Kenyan territory, citing growing insecurity.
However, Jubaland Vice President Mohamed Sayid later denied the claims, insisting its forces were confined to the border area it shares with Kenya.
Residents maintained that the soldiers had crossed into Kenya after fleeing Bulla Hawa, a Somali town recently recaptured by the Somali National Army following a week-long battle that displaced hundreds of people, many of whom sought refuge in Mandera town.
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