Tensions between the Somali Federal Government and the Jubaland regional government escalated into violence yesterday, as forces from both sides clashed in Raaskambooni, a coastal town on the Kenya-Somalia border.
The conflict began when the Somali National Army (SNA) deployed troops to Raaskambooni and parts of the Gedo region, in an effort to forcibly remove Ahmed Mohamed Islam, the re-elected regional president of Jubaland, from office. The move was strongly opposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
In response, Jubaland announced it was severing ties with Mogadishu and dispatched reinforcements to Raaskambooni to counter the federal government’s actions. The clashes resulted in the defeat of the SNA troops, with approximately 240 soldiers surrendering, and around 300 others fleeing to Kenya and surrendering their arms to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further conflict. The international community is calling for calm and urging both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
The clashes occurred while President Hassan was in Turkey for mediation talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
