Gedo on the Brink: Somali Government and Jubaland Battle for Control

DOLOW, Somalia - Monday's clashes between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland troops within Doolow town have been linked to the current standoff between the federal government and the regional state of Jubaland as both parties seek to control the Gedo region.

For months now, the federal government has waged an onslaught against the regional administration of Jubaland, with the clashes that initially started in Raskamboni and El-Wak, spilling to Beled-Hawo and now in Doolow.

Reports from the Somali town of Doolow say soldiers loyal to the town’s commissioner, with support from Ethiopian troops stationed there, clashed with a small number of Somali intelligence personnel stationed at a UK base in Jubaland.

Multiple sources said pro-Jubaland troops and those from Ethiopia surrounded the federal government security personnel’s camp, and exchanged gunfire, leading to the ugly confrontation that has been condemned by stakeholders.

Ammunition stored in the camp caught fire and ignited explosions. At least two people, including a federal government soldier, were killed in the confrontation, sources say. The commander, Major Saleban Gayra Garane, and several soldiers were arrested, sources said.

Coincidentally, the president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his intel chief were in Addis Ababa participating in a conference for a UN Summit on food security. The  Somali and Ethiopian governments have not officially commented on the incident.

In December 2024, Somalia accused Ethiopian troops of an “unprovoked and unexpected” attack on Somali government forces in the town of Doolow, causing fatalities and injuries among Somali personnel.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia said the alleged attack constitutes a “blatant violation” of the Ankara Declaration, which pronounced a ceasefire between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa after months of standoff over Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland.

The town is largely controlled by the district Commissioner of the town, Mohamed Hussein Abdi Lafey, who has close relations Ethiopian forces stationed in the town. A resident alleged the Ethiopian troops “sided” with those of the district commissioner.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is keen to control Gedo with the long-term strategy being imposing voter registration ahead of direct elections scheduled for 2026. Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe has opposed the move.

GAROWE ONLINE