Fierce clashes broke out on Wednesday between forces from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Jubbaland region and the federal government, following a controversial election in Jubbaland that defied directives from Mogadishu, according to officials.
The conflict has heightened fears that internal political rivalries are undermining efforts to combat al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, particularly as the mandate of the African Union peacekeeping force nears expiration.
“This morning, federal forces from Mogadishu in Ras Kamboni launched drone strikes against Jubbaland forces,” Adan Ahmed Haji, Jubbaland’s assistant security minister, said during a press briefing in Kismayo, the regional capital.
Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, countered the claim, accusing Jubbaland forces of initiating the hostilities. “Early this morning, Jubbaland forces attacked federal military troops stationed in Lower Jubba to take over bases vacated by ATMIS,” he said in a statement.
Election Sparks Tensions
The clashes stem from Jubbaland’s late November re-election of regional president Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe for a third term, a move opposed by Somalia’s federal government. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration argued that the election lacked federal oversight and issued an arrest warrant for Madobe. In response, Jubbaland issued its own warrant for Mohamud.
The fighting was reported 20 km (12 miles) from Ras Kamboni, a strategic town near the Kenyan border where federal forces have strengthened their presence since the disputed election.
Major Aden Nur, a federal army officer, said the clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, though exact figures remain unclear. He noted that federal troops had captured four gun-mounted technical vehicles from Jubbaland forces.
Broader Implications
The conflict risks further destabilizing Somalia at a critical juncture. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to expire in less than three weeks, with no agreement yet on which countries will contribute to a follow-up peacekeeping mission or how it will be funded.
Jubbaland, considered Somalia’s agricultural heartland, holds significant economic and strategic value. Its port city of Kismayo serves as a key trade hub, and the region’s coastline includes contested maritime zones believed to hold oil and gas reserves.
In 2021, Kenya rejected a UN court ruling favoring Somalia in a maritime border dispute but pledged to seek a diplomatic resolution.
The latest escalation underscores the delicate balance between Somalia’s federal government and its semi-autonomous states, as the country continues to grapple with security and governance challenges.
