Clashes Erupt in Southern Somalia Amid Disputed Regional Elections
Somali Troops surrendering, Dec 2024 Photo: @wacdar
December 12, 2024 Hour: 5:56 pm
On Wednesday morning, clashes broke out in the southern Somali town of Raskamboni between federal government forces and regional troops from Jubbaland, escalating tensions over a disputed regional election.
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The fighting lasted for several hours but calmed by midday, according to officials from both sides. This incident marks the latest outbreak of violence in a region that has long been plagued by deadly attacks from Islamic extremists.
Both the federal government and Jubbaland’s administration accused each other of instigating the clashes. Due to a telecommunications blackout imposed in the area, details regarding the fighting and any potential casualties remain unclear.
The conflict highlights a deepening rift between Somalia’s federal government and Jubbaland’s administration, raising concerns about further instability in this strategically significant region near the Kenyan border.
The federal forces are currently transitioning to take over the fight against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked militant group, from an African Union peacekeeping mission that has been active since 2007. This mission is set to conclude at the end of the month. The federal government accused Jubbaland regional forces, led by President Ahmed Madobe, of attacking positions previously held by federal troops—positions deemed critical for operations against al-Shabab militants.
In a statement, the federal government emphasized that “these troops were preparing for operations against al-Shabaab militants.” Madobe was recently reelected for a third term during Jubbaland’s presidential election on November 25; however, this third term is viewed as a violation of term limits established by the federal government. The opposition in Jubbaland has contested the election results and formed a parallel government.
A new African Union mission is anticipated to launch in January with troops from contributing countries, excluding Ethiopia due to ongoing disputes related to Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
In response to the clashes, Jubbaland officials claimed that federal forces initiated the fighting by targeting their positions. They alleged that the deployment of federal troops was part of a broader strategy to undermine the authority of the regional government.
“It is unfortunate to see armies and vehicles meant to defend the country being used against its own people,” stated Adan Ahmed Haji, Jubbaland’s deputy security minister, during a news conference in Kismayo.
Additionally, Somalia’s defense ministry accused Madobe of coordinating actions with al-Shabab militants, suggesting that Jubbaland forces were operating in areas controlled by the group. This complex situation underscores ongoing tensions within Somalia as various factions vie for power amid persistent threats from extremist groups.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
