Protests against KDF intensify in troubled region in Somalia

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GARBAHAREY, Somalia - Hundreds of Somalis thronged into the streets of Balad-Hawo, El-Wak, and Garbaharey towns for the third time in a row, following reports of misconduct by the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] stationed in Gedo region.

The Kenyan forces are operating across the border in Mandera and those serving in Sector II of the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM], in what could significantly affect the security protocols in the country.

Reports from multiple sources indicate that the civilians are against the presence of KDF in the region, which has been subjected to a fair share of political instability since last year, following internal differences between President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe.

The differences, which were triggered by local elections, have since been solved albeit temporarily following the recent Mogadishu conference. But despite the agreement, the Federal Government is yet to withdraw dozens of Somali National Army [SNA] from Gedo, a region which is contested by the two parties.

But the SNA troops have often been at loggerheads with the KDF team who they accuse of protecting the Jubaland security forces. KDF team protects the Sector II and the areas along Border Point One in Mandera, where they have a base in the Kenyan side, which is used as a temporary Forward Operating Base.

And in the last three days, protestors carrying Somalia's national flags have been flooding the border town, calling for an immediate withdrawal of KDF from Somalia, over accusations of allegedly attacking locals besides abducting three people in recent days under controversial circumstances.

The protestors further claimed that one of those abducted was found shot dead near El-Wak, another border town between the Kenya-Somalia border. The body had gunshot wounds and it's not clear who pulled the trigger and why, but protestors pointed an accusing finger to KDF.

According to the protestors, the two other individuals are still missing. They asked the Federal Government of Somalia to immediately take the matter and push for the removal of KDF from the country, arguing that their presence will compromise the security situations.

Until now, neither the KDF team nor the AMISOM forces in Mogadishu are yet to issue a statement in relation to brewing tensions at Gedo. But cases of peacekeeping mission troops brutalizing locals are synonymous in Somalia, and the forces have often promised to exercise restraint in dealing with suspected criminals.

About four months ago, the SNA clashed with Jubaland security forces near the border and the fight spilled over to Mandera, forcing the KDF team across the border to respond. In a stern warning issued by security forces, the KDF team warned SNA troops against "provoking us" in a statement that was followed by a flurry of diplomatic activities.

KDF first invaded Somalia in 2011 after cases of abduction targeting tourists were reported and have since joined the AMISOM security forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab. There are close to 3,500 KDF servicemen in the Horn of Africa nation which has been battling with insecurity.

The presence of the team in sections of Jubaland has significantly improved security status in Somalia according to reports from the African Union. Among other towns, the team has managed to liberate towns such as Afmadow, Dhobley, Qoqani, and even the strategic Kismayo city, which is the regional administrative capital of Jubaland.

But in return, the troops have also suffered immense losses, with the UN estimating that most of those who have died come from Kenya. The worst tragedy against the team includes the Al-Shabaab raids at El-Adde in Gedo in 2016 and the subsequent attack at Kulbiyow army base a year later.

GAROWE ONLINE

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