Senator Ali Roba raises further alarm over presence of Jubaland Forces in Mandera
The senator further claimed that Jubaland forces have consolidated their strength within Mandera town on Kenyan soil and are gradually taking over the community.
Mandera Senator Ali Roba has raised concerns over the presence of Jubaland forces inside Mandera town, saying their operations have disrupted daily life, closed schools, and forced residents to live in fear.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Roba said that businesses in the town have been paralysed and families displaced as residents fear stray bullets, rocket-propelled grenades, and unexploded ordnance. He explained that an atmosphere of uncertainty has engulfed the entire town as both Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal government forces continue to build up weapons and troops in preparation for conflict.
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Ali Roba further claimed that Jubaland forces have consolidated their strength within Mandera town on Kenyan soil and are gradually taking over the community.
He criticised the government for allowing such a situation, calling it a betrayal of the people of Mandera.
“Allowing Jubaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people,” Ali Roba wrote.
He demanded that the Kenyan Government act immediately to remove the Jubaland forces from Mandera and secure the country’s borders. He warned that failure to do so would make the government fully responsible for any harm caused by the presence of the foreign forces.
“The Government of Kenya will bear full responsibility for any deaths, injuries, or destruction of property in Mandera,” he said.
The senator cautioned that residents would be forced to mobilise and defend themselves if the government failed to act. He also stressed that support for the current administration should not be taken as a license to endanger lives in Mandera.
“Our support for the Kenya Kwanza Government cannot be mistaken for a license to gamble with the lives of our population,” Roba said.
On Tuesday, residents of Mandera staged demonstrations demanding the removal of Jubaland forces, who they accuse of operating inside Kenyan territory and causing insecurity. The protest took place near Border Post One, an area where the troops are reported to have established a base.
The demonstrators, many of whom carried placards with messages calling for government intervention, said the presence of the forces has disrupted their daily routines. Several residents told the media that they no longer feel safe walking around town, particularly in the evenings, and worry about the safety of their children.
Farmers in the region also reported that they have been restricted from accessing their farms beyond 4:00 pm, which has affected their ability to cultivate crops and provide for their families. Parents expressed concern that the closure of schools has disrupted learning for their children, including those preparing for national examinations.
The situation in Mandera comes against the backdrop of a strained relationship between Somalia’s federal government and Jubaland.
Tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe, have remained high since Madobe’s re-election.
Occasional clashes between federal and Jubaland forces have been reported, sometimes spilling near the Kenyan border.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has also expressed concern about the presence of Jubaland forces. He alleged that the troops had set up camp inside a primary school in the county, leading to the closure of the institution and displacement of learners.
He urged that Mandera should not become a battleground for Somalia’s internal political and security disputes.
Despite these concerns, Jubaland officials have denied that their troops are inside Kenya. Jubaland Vice President Mohamed Sayid stated last month that their forces are only stationed along the Somalia side of the border.
He maintained that the troops are deployed to safeguard their side of the frontier and have no role in disrupting life in Mandera.
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