Backroom Deals and Troop Buildup: FGS Moves to Undermine Ahmed Madobe in Strategic Gedo Region

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has embarked on yet another clandestine mission to retake Gedo, a strategic region in Jubbaland, in what could trigger tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo after months of stability.

According to reports, the FGS is re-engaging Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubbaland minister, who was implicated in crimes against humanity before resigning from the regional government. He had been jailed by the federal government under Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, alias Farmajo.

The former minister held talks with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu, where they reportedly discussed the Gedo conflict following clashes at Beled-Hawo, a contested town within the Kenya-Somalia border near Mandera.

The Federal Government of Somalia is fighting to control the Gedo region as it tries to establish regional authorities to counter Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the regional leader of Jubaland. Madobe is not in good standing with the FGS under Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In a related development, the federal government has deployed additional troops to strategic locations in Gedo this week, with a particular focus on Beled Hawo. Local sources report that Jubaland forces still maintain control over parts of the town and have recently increased military maneuvers, including movements near a small but strategic airstrip.

Last year, Jubaland forces fought elite federal troops that had been deployed to Ras Kamboni and El-Wak, leading to one of the worst losses for the government. But the government seems to have changed strategy, using insiders to destabilize the Jubaland administration.

Ahmed Madobe and his Puntland counterpart, Said Abdullahi Deni, have accused the central government of eroding gains made under federalism. The two states have also opposed constitutional changes in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE