FGS deploys elite Danab forces to HirShabelle ahead of elections

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has deployed the elite Danab forces to Jowhar, the regional administrative capital of HirShabelle state, in yet another incident that could spark criticism from the opposition and the regional leadership in the Horn of Africa nation.

Sources within the government said a contingent of the Danab special forces were dispatched from Mogadishu but the exact number couldn't be revealed. The troops were sent in batches according to sources familiar with the new development, which comes amid electoral controversy in Somalia.

Although the numbers are not known, usually, the military dispatches Units or Companies during special operations and can range from 100 to 200 depending on the decision by the Defense Council. Danab forces are only deployed in special assignments, especially during sophisticated operations.

The troops started arriving in Jowhar and setting up bases in the outskirts of the town last week but it's not clear how long they will be stationed in the state. However, the FGS has a habit of deploying the army in certain regions during an election and the latest incident could not be an exception given that HirShabelle will be holding polls soon.

Early this year, the US-trained forces were deployed to Galmadug state during the local presidential elections leading to an outcry from a section of local leaders. The troops, opposition claimed, were positioned to rig in eventual winner Ahmed Abdi Kariye, who is believed to have been a pro-FGS candidate.

Days after the controversial elections, the troops engaged in a fierce gunfight with Sufi group ASWJ militia leading to the death of over 20 people in Dhusamareb. The troops were withdrawn recently before regional leaders met with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo for dialogue.

In 2018, the Special Forces from Danab were also accused of being part of the team that sparked chaos at Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest during regional presidential elections. The chaos left at least 11 civilians dead following the fatal shooting.

According to reports documented by the United Nations, the troops with the aid of Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] opened fire against the supporters of former Al-Shabaab deputy leader Mukhtaar Robow, who was among the lead contenders of the regional presidential elections.

The elite Danab forces get training at Balligodle army base in the outskirts of Mogadishu and to date, over 1,500 soldiers have been trained. The US Africa Command is in charge of training and equipping these officers whose main duty is to participate in special operations.

In recent weeks, there have been concerns from the opposition that the FGS misuses these soldiers. The National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] boss Fahad Yasin is believed to be the force behind the controversial deployment, something which has in the past strained relationship between FGS and member states.

GAROWE ONLINE