Somalia: Govt plans troop deployment to Gedo amid voter registration tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 13  – Somalia’s federal government is preparing to deploy additional troops to the Gedo region in an effort to control key areas ahead of the upcoming voter registration for the disputed one-person, one-vote election system.

According to government sources, the deployment will include former Jubaland security officials, military personnel, and political figures, all equipped with heavy weaponry. The reinforcements are expected to take control of strategic parts of Gedo in the coming days.

The federal government aims to strengthen its presence in major towns within Gedo to assert greater influence over the electoral process — a move strongly opposed by Jubaland, which currently administers parts of the region.

Tensions between federal forces and Jubaland-aligned troops have been simmering for months, with sporadic clashes previously reported. Although open conflict has temporarily subsided, the situation remains fragile.

In response to the planned troop movements, Jubaland dispatched a high-level delegation led by Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan to Balad Hawo, a strategic town near the Kenyan border.

The delegation is reportedly coordinating defensive measures to counter potential federal offensives in Jubaland-controlled areas of Gedo.

GAROWE ONLINE