Clashes Between Somali Army and Jubaland Forces Leave Five Dead

At least five people were killed on Tuesday during intense clashes between Somali federal forces and troops loyal to the Jubaland regional administration. The violence erupted in Beled Hawo, a strategic town in Somalia’s southern Gedo region, an area frequently at the centre of political friction between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland state.

Background: Somalia’s Federal Structure

Somalia operates as a federal republic, with five member states holding varying degrees of autonomy. Jubaland, located in the south, has been a frequent flashpoint in its relationship with the central government in Mogadishu, especially over security control and political appointments.

Details of the Clashes

The conflict began after Somali federal forces reportedly launched an offensive to seize full control of Beled Hawo, according to Yusuf Ahmed, a commander within the Jubaland security forces.

“We have lost two soldiers, and I saw the bodies of three attackers near the district administration headquarters,” said Ahmed.
“Jubaland security forces contained these attackers.”

According to Gedo Governor Mohamed Hussein Al-Qadi, the assault began shortly after the arrival of Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur, former Jubaland security minister and now regional intelligence chief, who landed in the town via military helicopter.

Al-Qadi confirmed:

“They did not achieve their objective. Federal government forces were removed from the administrative buildings.”

Timeline of the Incident

A local resident described continued sporadic gunfire near the town’s military base, where federal troops had withdrawn.

Federal Government Response

In an official statement, the Somali federal government directly accused Ahmed Madobe, the leader of Jubaland, of orchestrating the violence:

“This was a criminal act… part of the ongoing violations which Ahmed Madobe commits.”

The government also claimed the attack targeted immigration offices, and called the escalation a violation of national sovereignty.

Political Tensions: Madobe’s Contested Leadership

Tensions between Ahmed Madobe and the federal government have intensified since last year, when Madobe defied Mogadishu’s authority by holding a unilateral regional election, winning a third term as Jubaland’s leader. The federal government rejected the result, calling the election “unlawful” and refusing to recognise his leadership.

This latest episode of violence highlights the fragility of Somalia’s federal system, with unresolved disputes over governance and security continuing to threaten national stability.