MOGADISHU, Somalia — Federal lawmakers have accused Somalia’s federal government of plotting to destabilize Jubaland state, citing ongoing political tensions that have persisted since November of last year.
In a statement released by the legislators, claimed that the federal government, in collaboration with defected army officers, had begun recruiting militias along the Kenya-Somalia border with the aim of destabilizing the region.
The statement also accused the Somali government of financing and organizing militias to disrupt security in Jubaland. An allegation the government yet to respond.
Tensions escalated between Jubaland and the federal government in November when the region re-elected Ahmed Madobe through an indirect election, rejecting the country’s unified election system.
During the election, Somali National Army (SNA) units were deployed to Raskamboni, a town in Lower Jubba, which is under Madobe’s control.
Within 20 days, Madobe’s forces launched a counterattack and regained control of Raskamboni, forcing SNA units who had been deployed there to withdraw and return to their bases in Mogadishu.
Last month, Somalia’s security minister, Ismail Fartag, arrived in Garbaharey in the Gedo region, accompanied by dozens of SNA and police units. This move drew strong condemnation from Jubaland.
Since November, tensions between Jubaland and the federal government have intensified, contributing to ongoing political and security challenges in the region.
