Somalia: Clashes in Jubaland After Madobe's Third Term Victory

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Jubaland Darwish forces clashed with the Somali National Army (SNA) within the vicinity of Raskamboni, locals said, just moments after Ahmed Madobe cruised to victory, earning his third term as president of Jubaland on 25th November.

A gunfight was reported near Raskamboni at the edge of the Kenya-Somalia border, moments after the federal government airlifted troops to the town, triggering tensions and military buildups within the region.

The fireworks, however, did not last long but both sides continued to take positions in anticipation of fierce clashes as Madobe defended his victory as 'legitimate'. While the federal government wants direct elections, the regional government supports indirect polls.

Casualties on both sides have not been immediately known. The Jubaland forces who claimed to have repulsed the attack, accused SNA of launching the assault but this particular claim could not be ascertained.

“The militias deployed by the federal government over the past two days to Raskamboni in Badhadhe district, driven by political motives, launched an attack on Jubaland troops stationed in the area,” the statement reads.

“The valiant Jubaland forces, who are simultaneously combating the Khawarij group [Al-Shabaab], successfully repelled the militias brought in from Mogadishu, aimed at undermining the security and stability enjoyed by the people of Jubaland.”

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his team, under the coordination of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, are keen to assert more authority in the vast parts of Jubaland, with a long-term aim of limiting Madobe’s influence on Kismayo.

To effect this strategy, there are rumours that the federal government is orchestrating defections from Jubaland forces in different parts of Jubaland. This assertion is supported by the confirmation from state media, which posted photos of Jubaland forces together with SNA in Raskamboni.

Mogadishu is keen to push Madobe to submission but the Jubaland leader maintains that he was validly elected on Monday, adding that 'we can only have dialogue'. International partners have warned of severe consequences including the resurgence of Al-Shabaab should the conflict persist.

GAROWE ONLINE