MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavy fighting erupted between Federal government troops and Jubaland regional security forces near Raskamboni, a town in the Lower Jubba region.
The skirmish began early Thursday in the Manarani area near the town, where Somali military personnel are stationed. The casualty remains unclear, with both sides accusing each other of starting the clash.
Deputy Minister of Security for Jubaland, Aden Ahmed Haji, stated that the battle began with a drone, claiming that troops recently deployed to Raskamboni raided their forces in the region.
Minister Haji also said they had captured dozens of soldiers alive, while others surrendered and are now in their custody. This claim has yet to be verified.
He added that Jubaland has the right to defend itself against any threat and accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of deploying military forces into a region under Jubaland’s jurisdiction.
“We know which country the drone used against our troops belongs to,” he said, calling it unfortunate that the weapons meant to be used against Al-Shabaab are being used against Jubaland.
Somalia’s defense ministry said its troops came under attack by soldiers loyal to President Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland and denied that its forces started the confrontation.
The ministry also linked President Madobe to the Al-Shabaab militant group, claiming plans to raid its troops in the region. It also said, “Such actions, deemed treasonous, will result in severe consequences.”
Tensions escalated last month when President Mohamud rejected Madobe’s re-election, deploying military personnel to Raskamboni in an effort to capture him for defying the unified election system.
However, viewing his re-election as constitutional, Madobe condemned the troop deployment to his region, seeing it as a threat to his leadership. He also set a 15-day deadline for the troop withdrawal.
Political analysts suggest that President Mohamud is unlikely to abandon his vision of implementing a nationwide election system, which Somalia has not used since 1969.
Despite calls for restraint, the feuding leaders remain reluctant to resolve their differences. Security experts have warned that the standoff could escalate into an armed confrontation.
In 2013, President Mohamud clashed with Madobe when he refused to step down, leading to fighting in Kismayo. Madobe ultimately held his ground and has continued to lead Jubaland since.
It remains unclear whether Mohamud will set aside current tensions with Jubaland and compromise, as his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo did, to avoid bloodshed, power vacuum, and political unrest, or proceed with his plan for nationwide elections.
