Somalia: Elite troops deployed to Jubaland as Madobe wins 3rd term in office

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The elite GorGor troops were deployed to the Lower Jubba region, on Monday, shortly after regional leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe was declared the winner of the elections — effectively cementing his fourth term albeit in a controversial environment.

Madobe, the one-time ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, dismissed the proposals to consolidate electoral systems in Somalia with the aim of promoting direct elections, arguing that the move would potentially lead to term extensions for federal and state leaders.

In his victory speech, Madobe cautioned President Hassan Sheikh against plunging Somalia back into another civil war after the federal government began deploying troops to Jubaland's Raskamboni town within Lower Jubba.

Raskamboni remains one of the strongest backyards of Madobe — he successfully drove out Al-Shabaab from the region with the help of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) moments before Jubaland state was created under the federal system.

The deployment coincides with leadership election disputes in Kismayo, with President Madobe accusing the FGS of destabilization, raising concerns about potential conflict. Analysts believe the special GorGor troops could be on assignment to overthrow Madobe.

It is not the first time Madobe is facing a revolt from Mogadishu given that before the 2019 elections, the special troops with the assistance of Ethiopians, tried to influence the regional elections but the attempts were futile. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo was also against Madobe.

There were unconfirmed reports that the soldiers had planned to abduct Madobe before the plan was repulsed by Kenyan troops. Despite speaking from the same script at that time with Hassan Sheikh, the current president has since changed tune.

Although the indirect Jubaland elections were held under controversial circumstances several leaders have recognised his victory, further legitimising the process, which was rejected by Mogadishu.

Puntland's President Said Abdullahi Deni congratulated Ahmed Madobe on his election history and emphasized the importance of protecting Jubaland's existence and unity amid federal government interference.

Ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Ali Khaire also congratulated Ahmed Madobe on his election victory, warning Villa Somalia against destabilizing actions in the Jubaland state of Somalia as it started deploying Turkish-trained SNA's elite Gorgor forces to Raskamboni town, Lower Juba region.

But the motive for the deployment of the troops is not yet known, with Jubaland remaining vigilant in major transport corridors including the Kismayo Airport solely to prevent the deployment of more soldiers. Hassan Sheikh supports the implementation of direct elections.

GAROWE ONLINE