Somali Federal Forces orders forces to withdraw from Lower Jubaland
By Amina Wako |
Federal forces stationed in Ras Kamboni reportedly used drones to attack Jubbaland troops, which reportedly sparked the violence.
Somalia's federal government has ordered its forces to withdraw from Lower Jubaland, the Ministry of Defense announced, as tensions escalate between federal troops and regional forces.
The clashes, which erupted on Wednesday, highlight growing divisions in the region, coming just weeks before the expiration of the African Union peacekeeping force’s mandate.
Keep reading
- Details of agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia brokered by Turkey
- Turkiye brokers deal between Somalia and Ethiopia diffusing tensions
- Turkey's Erdogan meets Somalia, Ethiopia leaders separately amid Somaliland dispute
- Jubaland, Somali National Army forces clash in Raaskambooni on Somali- Kenya border
In a statement, Somalia's Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country and fighting the Khawarij, a term for extremist groups.
“The Somali National Army had no orders to engage in combat with any group other than the Khawarij. It remains firmly committed to fulfilling its national duties to protect the country, its people, and its faith through all possible means,” the statement read.
Federal forces stationed in Ras Kamboni reportedly used drones to attack Jubaland troops, which reportedly sparked the violence.
Adan Ahmed Haji, Jubaland’s assistant security minister, alleged during a press conference in Kismayu that the attack was unprovoked.
“This morning, federal forces from Mogadishu in Ras Kamboni, using drones, attacked Jubaland forces,” he said. He later claimed that hundreds of federal forces had surrendered and fled toward the Kenyan border, while Jubaland fighters had captured Ras Kamboni. These claims remain unverified.
Responding to the allegations, Somali Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur accused Jubaland forces of initiating the clashes.
“Early this morning, Jubaland forces attacked the Somali federal military troops that were deployed in Lower Jubba to take bases withdrawn from by ATMIS,” he stated, referring to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
The clashes have left at least 10 people dead, according to Major Abdirahman Osman, a Jubaland soldier. The fighting is believed to have taken place approximately 20 kilometres from Ras Kamboni, where federal troops increased their presence following a disputed election in Jubaland. The election’s outcome, contested by Mogadishu, has fuelled political tensions between the federal government and the semi-autonomous region.
Both sides have issued arrest warrants—the federal government for Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and Jubaland for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—further deepening the rift.
Opposition leaders have criticised the use of military force in political disputes. “The principles of the Somali government and constitution clearly state that the armed forces should not be used for politics,” they said in a joint statement.
“The federal forces deployed in Ras Kamboni and the Jubaland forces who are fighting them were supposed to jointly fight al Shabab and other enemies of Somalia.”
The unrest comes at a critical time for Somalia as the mandate for the African Union peacekeeping mission (ATMIS) nears its end. With no agreement yet on a follow-up mission’s structure or funding, the region faces uncertainty in its fight against Al-Shabaab and other threats.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
