Federal Forces Seize Beled-Hawo From Jubaland, Escalating Somalia’s Internal Power Struggle  

BELED-HAWO, Somalia - Jubaland suffered a major blow in its tussles with the federal government of Somalia, following the seizure of Beled-Hawo, a key strategic town along the Kenya-Somalia border, in what could usher in bloody confrontations.

Mogadishu has been on the rampage in Jubaland for the past few months as the Federal Government of Somalia reinforces its territorial commitments but targeting internal administrations, which could subsequently weaken federalism ideals.

And the Somali government forces seized control of the border town of Beled-Hawo on Wednesday following several days of fighting with regional forces loyal to Jubaland, local officials and residents said.

The clashes, which left an unconfirmed number of casualties, began over the weekend and escalated into heavy gun battles. Tensions between the federal government and Jubaland have simmered for years, often flaring up in the contested Gedo region near the Kenyan border.

Credible reports indicate that the central government is keen to kickstart the voter registration exercise in Gedo, a stronghold of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the Jubaland leader who is yet to agree with Mogadishu on proposed constitutional changes that could lead to direct polls.

Lately, the contest has been reduced to ugly clashes, which were first reported in Raskamboni and El-Wak before escalating to Balad-Hawo and Doolow. The federal troops staged attacks against the regional forces in most of these instances, leading to multiple deaths.

Earlier this week, Jubaland forces were in control of the town, but federal government troops were on the outskirts. The network is down amid fears of renewed clashes.

Former Jubaland security minister Abdirashid Janan, who was implicated in rights violations by rights groups, is reportedly allied with the federal government and is currently operating within the vicinity of Beled Hawo. Janan, in the past, denied accusations of rights violations.

Major towns in Gedo are divided: Bardhere, Garbaharey, and Burdhubo are run by pro-government troops, while Dolow and El-Wak are run by Jubaland. Luq is reported to be in a “toss-up” situation according to local sources.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been linked to the bloody confrontation, although the country is struggling with Al-Shabaab and ISIS insurgency on various frontlines, leading to the loss of gains made in previous months.

GAROWE ONLINE