Clashes Escalate in Gedo as Somali Govt Pushes for Full Control

BELED HAWO, Somalia - For the fifth day in a row, fierce fighting was witnessed in Beled-Hawo township of Gedo, with the federal forces engaging the Jubaland regional forces in a gunfight battle despite calls for a ceasefire and dialogue over the artificial conflict.

The federal forces, with the blessing of Mogadishu, have been trying to take control of Beled-Hawo and Doolow towns in Gedo region, a few months after losing a similar battle in Raskamboni and El-Wak townships within Jubaland.

Hostilities were reported on Tuesday as both parties engaged in a gunfight battle with some residents choosing to flee from the town. Some reports indicate that the federal government wants to start a voter registration exercise in the region.

According to multiple sources, former Jubaland Interior Minister Abdirashid Janan, who now serves as regional intelligence chief, is believed to be the figure behind the unprecedented battles within the larger Gedo region.

Government forces are currently based at a location known locally as the “UK Camp” on the outskirts of the town. However, Jubaland troops, who maintain control over Balad-Hawo, have reportedly cut off access to essential services—blocking water, electricity, and basic supplies from reaching the federal troops.

Thousands of civilians have fled their homes since the fighting began. Telecommunications in the town have been disrupted, further exacerbating the crisis. With physical cash virtually obsolete in the region, the breakdown in mobile money services has paralyzed commerce and daily life.

Although the number of casualties remains unclear, both parties are said to have suffered blows, with some reporters projecting a prolonged conflict that could lead to the loss of many lives in that part of the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is accused of investing much in destabilising Jubaland and Puntland to some extent instead of diverting his energy towards defeating both the al-Shabaab and ISIS militants who have troubled the country for a while.

Observers say the hostility could be motivated by attempts from the federal government to coordinate a voter registration exercise without concrete agreements with some federal states over the constitutional changes, which have been opposed.

GAROWE ONLINE