Somalia: Hassan Sheikh Withdraws Troops from Jubaland After Defeat in Raskamboni

KISMAYO, Somalia - In what could be an embarrassing decision under his presidency, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was forced to withdraw the Somali National Army (SNA) from Jubaland, despite initial warnings by military theorists and strategists.

The SNA recorded massive losses in Raskamboni, the main battlefield with Jubaland regional forces and perhaps showcased its lack of strategy — they are just about to assume security responsibilities upon the exit of the peacekeepers.

A statement released by the government claimed that the military left Jubaland 'to avoid bloodshed between our forces' adding that the main focus was on 'prioritising the safety of our troops'.

"Focus remains on combating Khawarij and safeguarding the nation's sovereignty," read the statement, authored just after heavy clashes were recorded in Raskamboni, a town that shaped the military skills of Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe.

Earlier, Jubaland regional forces recorded videos of them celebrating a "decisive victory" in the battle for Raskamboni against the Somali National Army (SNA), a significant development in the ongoing Lower Jubba region's conflict.

Jubaland's Information Minister Abdifatah Mukhtar shared photos purportedly showing hundreds of Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers who have surrendered and fled to Kenya's Ishakani border after Jubaland forces took over full control of Raskamboni after heavy fighting.

Military sources in Kenya confirmed that about 300 SNA soldiers mainly drawn from the elite Gorgor forces had to quickly surrender to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) manning the Kenya-Somalia border after they were overwhelmed by the Jubaland regional troops.

Other sources within Raskamboni revealed that about 245 other soldiers from the federal government had also surrendered to the Jubaland regional force before committing their allegiance to Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who secured his victory in regional polls.

The new development partly strengthens Madobe’s grip on power and offers him the much-needed legitimacy — Mogadishu had rejected his victory, citing irregularities and unconstitutionality of the exercise at the time Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was committed to delivering direct polls.

Madobe had accused Hassan Sheikh of pushing the universal suffrage model without adhering to constitutional principles — any alterations of the current constitution would lead to term extensions for federal and state leaders, a scenario he opposed.

Although the military victory gives him a reprieve, the long-term implications of the strained relationship between Kismayo and Mogadishu could have a significant impact on the local economy. Jubaland has cut ties with the federal government citing "persistent frustrations".

Before ascending to power, Hassan Sheikh worked closely with opposition bigwigs including Madobe, but most of them have since distanced themselves from his administration. In Mogadishu, he has already constituted an electoral committee in the hope of delivering universal suffrage elections without the much-needed consensus.

GAROWE ONLINE