US calls for ceasefire in Gedo as Kenya denies role in the FGS fueling conflict

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Warring parties in Gedo conflict should exercise patience and embrace dialogue, the US has said, adding that both sides should focus on "benefit for all Somalis".

Deadly violence erupted in the Gedo region within Jubaland state between Somali National Army [SNA] and Jubaland forces, with the latter accusing FGS of a plot to oust Jubaland president Ahmed Madobe.

Although Somalia authorities insisted that the onslaught targeted Al-Shabaab militants, Jubaland officials blamed them for "provocation" leading to a six-hour gunfight.

Donald Yamamoto, the US envoy in Mogadishu, called for a ceasefire on Monday, arguing that only dialogue can amicably solve the impasse.

"We call for all sides to disengage from armed conflict around Beled Hawo. We call for a peaceful political solution to the conflict," read a tweet by the embassy.

"All leaders need to be patient and deescalate for the benefit of all Somalis in the region," Yamamoto, a critical mediator in the Somalia crisis said.

Last week, the US had termed deployment of SNA troops in Gedo as "unnecessary", adding that such acts could "derail" the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

Jubaland officials have previously accused President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of fueling conflicts in the region with the ultimate goal of establishing a parallel administration in Gedo to rival Madobe's government, they said.

For the better part of Monday, gunfight rented air in Bula-Hawo town and Border Point One, with several casualties reported, officials said.

Businesses, education centers and health facilities in the neighboring Mandera closedown, with communication, also interrupted for the better part of the day.

Somalia officials accused KDF of helping Jubaland troops by firing artilleries and explosions, a claim that would be later dismissed by authorities in Nairobi, who, however, confirmed that KDF had taken charge along the border.

“We wish to reassure Kenyans that our security teams are on high alert to avert any attempt by militants in Gedo region straying into the country," Charles Owino, police spokesman said.

He added: "We have also deployed security officers appropriately to ensure peace and tranquility prevails."

At Mandera Hospital, ten people among them six civilians were admitted, with one uniformed officer succumbing at KDF medical facility, The Nation reported.

There were claims that Jubaland forces, who are opposed to Gedo take over, took shelter at a local KDF base, after hours of a gunfight with SNA, sources said.

Rashid Abdi, a security analyst in the Horn of Africa, says the inter-clan fights could plunge the fight against Al-Shabaab into shambles.

"Somalia's existential enemy is not Al-Shabaab. It is the pathology of clan politics, fratricidal elite contestation and inability to stem division, work together for the common good," he argued.

Although Somalia insists that the presence of SNA has something to do with "protecting borders", it's understood that they are after Abdirashid Janan, a powerful Jubaland security minister, who is said to be in Mandera.

But the Jubaland authorities including Janan accuse FGS of "naked aggression" in a bid to topple President Ahmed Madobe's leadership.

GAROWE ONLINE