Somalia: Farmaajo accused of plotting to deploy foreign troops to Gedo

KISMAYO, Somalia - Somalia's electoral stalemate may persist despite arrangements for the swearing-in of legislators who have already been cleared, with Jubaland now accusing outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo of conspiracy to deploy foreign troops to the Gedo region.

Gedo region is yet to fill 16 parliamentary seats following political differences pitting Farmaajo and Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who has been critical of the Mogadishu administration for over four years now.

Three days ago, Jubaland argues, a closed-door security meeting was held in Dolow in Gedo with Ethiopian security teams under the stewardship of Gen Tashuma Ayelo. In attendance were, Somalia MP and representative of President Farmajo Abdullahi Kulane Jiis and the head of Ethiopia Somali regional Liyuu police commander Mohamed Ahmed Haji.

Ethiopian troops both those serving in African Union Transition Mission [ATMIS] and non-ATMIS are stationed in parts of Gedo, where Farmaajo is seeking to have influence. The president has been battling to control the restless region in Jubaland.

Security analyst Rashid Abdi said in a tweet that Ethiopian military intelligence met Kulane and a plan hatched to “disrupt the elections, prepare for insertion of Eritrean-trained troops, put a contingency plan in place to give Farmaajo safe exit via Gedo”.

In an interview with Universal TV, former HirShabelle President Mohamed Abdi Waare said the meeting was convened to strategize the deployment of Ethiopia and Eritrean forces, Liyuu regional police, and clan militia trained and marshaled in Baydhabo in Somalia.

"We are aware of all the desperate measures of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo to rig in MPs in the delayed 16 slots of the Gedo region using fear and foreign militia,” Waare said.

According to the former leader, Farmaajo had steadily lost to Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who has been battling to control the region. The impending defeat, he avers, Farmaajo has been forced to the foreign militia to “influence and destabilize Jubaland”.

Jubaland presidential public relations adviser Abdirashid Danane said the federal state is aware of the deployment of foreign troops and interferences on the parliamentary elections that were to be held in Garbaharey.

He said Jubaland wants President Farmajo to desist from such interference and deployment of foreign troops.

"We have the Kenyan troops under Amisom that have played a great role in restoring peace and stability. Jubaland also has enough security officers who are commensurate to any security challenge. Deploying more foreign troops is not advisable '' Danane said.

On Sunday, Madobe maintained that elections in Jubaland must be free and fair, adding that Farmaajo should distance himself from the exercise. The president has been determined to control the outcome of parliamentary elections ahead of presidential polls.

Both Jubaland and HirShabelle are yet to conclude elections despite various timelines by stakeholders. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble insists that the swearing-in of MPs must go on as planned on April 14, to pave way for presidential elections.

For years, Ethiopia has often been accused of trying to influence Jubaland politics through the military in favor of Farmaajo. But the plans have often met resistance due to the presence of Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] who closely work with Jubaland authorities.

GAROWE ONLINE