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Kismayo witnessed heightened tensions on Saturday after a gunfight broke out between Jubbaland police and security guards of Senator Ilyas Baddel Gabose, a presidential candidate. The skirmish occurred outside the AGAN Hotel, where opposition politicians were holding a meeting.
At least one security officer from Gabose’s team was killed, and two Jubbaland police officers were injured. The violence reportedly began when police blocked Gabose’s vehicle from entering the premises, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Jubbaland Police Accuse Guards of Provocation
Jubbaland Police Spokesperson Shukri Farah Duale confirmed the casualties and alleged that Gabose’s guards initiated the violence by firing at a police checkpoint. Duale urged calm, stating, “The candidates’ actions have recently endangered security in Kismayo. We urge the public to cooperate with forces to maintain stability.”
Federal Government Condemns Incident
Federal Minister of Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag condemned the gunfight, accusing Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe of orchestrating the violence to intimidate opposition politicians.
“This attack shows Ahmed Madobe’s intent to incite civil unrest in Jubbaland,” Fartaag said, urging restraint among armed forces to prevent escalation.
Electoral Disputes Deepen Rift
The clash adds to the growing rift between the Jubbaland administration and Somalia’s federal government. Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has declared Ahmed Madobe ineligible for re-election, citing constitutional term limits.
Barre also criticized Madobe’s decision to hold elections despite disputes over their legitimacy, accusing him of prioritizing personal ambitions over national unity.
Strained Relations with the Federal Government
Relations have further soured after Madobe withdrew from a recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, demanding greater regional inclusion in electoral discussions. His stance aligns with Puntland, which also boycotted the NCC, creating a broader political challenge for the federal government.
Growing Concerns Over Stability
With Jubbaland elections set to take place amid such tensions, there are fears of escalating violence and instability in the region. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could undermine both regional governance and broader efforts for national unity.