Jubaland accuses Somali federal government of fomenting conflict in Gedo following deadly clashes

BELEDXAWO, Somalia – The Jubaland regional administration issued a strongly worded statement Wednesday, accusing Somalia’s federal government and security officials of instigating recent deadly clashes in the western district of Beledxaawo, Gedo region, which left several Jubbaland soldiers and officers dead.

In the statement from the Jubaland Ministry of Information, the administration blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Gedo security chief Abdirashid Janan for fueling violence and destabilizing the region.

Jubaland further accused the federal government of pursuing a deliberate plan to weaken or dismantle the regional administration.

“The Jubaland government reaffirms its firm commitment to resist any attempts aimed at undermining the Jubbaland administration and the federal system of Somalia, which remains the main target of the accused Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” the statement said.

The statement comes amid a recent government offensive that pushed Jubbaland-aligned forces out of Beledxaawo town and surrounding areas. Federal authorities have called on remaining Jubbaland troops in Gedo to surrender to Somali National Army forces to restore stability in the region.

The security situation in Gedo has remained volatile with frequent clashes between Jubaland forces and federal troops, raising concerns over the wider political struggle between Somalia’s federal government and regional administrations.

GAROWE ONLINE