Somalia: MPs Accuse FGS of Troop Buildup Near Kenya, Warn of Clashes

KISMAYO, Somalia - Federal lawmakers from the Jubaland state accused the federal government of Somalia of assembling troops along the Kenyan border, in what could potentially ignite clashes, months after the Somali National Army (SNA) suffered heavy defeats in Raskamboni. 

According to the legislators,  the federal government is determined to destabilize the Jubaland regional state, to force out the current leadership under President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe,  who had fallen out with the central government. 

Without giving concrete evidence, the Jubaland officials claimed former army officers previously stationed in Jubaland were being recalled to service near the Kenya-Somalia border, arguing that such activities could ignite tensions.

"The federal government is deliberately preparing and financing militias to create insecurity along the border and disrupt peace in both Jubbaland and neighboring Kenya," the statement read. 

The Somali federal government has not yet responded to the allegations. However,  Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur,  Somalia’s Defence Minister,  had indicated that the federal government was reaching out to the Jubaland administration for reconciliation.  

In November,  Madobe held indirect elections which saw him recapture his seat, leading to opposition from Mogadishu which is keen to hold direct elections. According to Madobe, universal suffrage elections would trigger unconstitutional term extensions.  

Hassan Sheikh is struggling to unite the country with some federal states led by Puntland and Jubaland accusing him of mutilating the constitution without adequate consultations. The two states also accuse him of interfering with federalism which is the basis of the current stability. 

Jubaland forces managed to neutralize the elite Gorgor troops in November, forcing some to seek refuge in Kenya Defence Forces Forward Operating Bases along the border. Kenya had initiated mediation processes between Kismayo and Mogadishu but nothing fruitful has been announced.  

GAROWE ONLINE