Somalia: There are no Ethiopian troops in Jubaland, official says

KISMAYO, Somalia - Jubaland has dismissed claims that Ethiopian troops have made significant inroads downwards following a conflict between Mogadishu and Kismayo, terming the claim as 'pure propaganda and fake news' in the middle of the souring rifts within the country.

Somalia's government claimed Ethiopian troops were transporting weapons to Jubaland, adding that the move was against the principles of good neighborhood and sovereignty. There was no immediate proof from Mogadishu to support the claims.

And Jubaland security minister General Dhumaal dismissed allegations by the Somali federal government as baseless, claiming that two Ethiopian Airlines flights carrying weapons landed at Kismayo airport, wondering why 'they just want to mislead the world'.

Dhumaal emphasized that no such flights or cargo have been received, amidst ongoing political tensions between the federal government and the Jubaland state over Ahmed Madobe's re-election. Madobe went on and conducted indirect elections against Mogadishu's wishes.

For the last month, both sides have threatened an assault against each other, leading to calls from the international community to embrace cessation of hostilities. Jubaland says Somalia has deployed elite troops to Raskamboni and El-Wak towns.

Experts argue that deploying Somali National Army (SNA) troops to Raskamboni, particularly amidst internal political disputes between The Villa Somalia and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, risks diverting resources and focus from the main objective of fighting Al-Shabaab.

The Al-Shabab group usually takes advantage of such internal conflicts to mobilize and take over strategic towns as it fights to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. The group had lost significant ground in central and southern regions.

Al-Shabaab has particularly lost much in Jubaland due to the close partnership between the federal government troops, regional government forces, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops. Most ATMIS forces are set to leave by January 2025.

GAROWE ONLINE