Kenyan troops withdraw from Raskamboni amid tensions

KISMAYO, Somalia - The Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) contingent serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) started tactical withdrawal from Raskamboni, a major hot spot for the tussles between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland regional forces.

Both SNA and Jubaland troops have started buildups around Raskamboni and El-Wak towns after Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe won his third term through an indirect poll, a move opposed by the authorities in Mogadishu.

In response to Madobe’s decision to hold clan-based elections, the federal government dispatched troops to Raskamboni and El-Wak, a move geared towards ousting him from power. However, the federal government claims the troops are taking the void created by the exit of ATMIS.

The KDF team which has been working closely with the Jubbaland administration, is said to have withdrawn and taken a non-partisan position to avoid creating diplomatic conflict with the federal government of Somalia.

The reported exit comes after a 15-day ultimatum from Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who demanded federal forces leave the area to prevent potential clashes. Mogadishu is accused of using the army against federal states instead of Al-Shabaab.

Jubaland Vice President Mohamud Sayid Aden condemned the federal government's troop deployment to Raskamboni as "unacceptable and illegal." He wondered if the troops were neutralizing the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

The Vice President issued a stern warning, asserting that the use of military force to undermine Jubaland risks igniting a bloody conflict if the Somali National Army does not withdraw immediately. So far, no new confrontation has been reported.

Kenya has a number of soldiers serving in ATMIS who are credited for stability in Jubaland after successfully liberating several strategic towns. There is fear that the ongoing political dispute between Mogadishu and Kismayo could trigger a resurgence of Al-Shabaab militants.

GAROWE ONLINE