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Somalia’s Ministry of Defense has accused forces loyal to Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe of attacking government army positions in the Gedo region, sparking deadly clashes that left several soldiers dead on Monday.
According to the ministry, the fighting broke out in the village of Tuulo Aamin, located near the Balad Hawo airfield, after Jubbaland fighters under Madobe’s command launched an assault on Somali National Army (SNA) positions.
Government officials said two SNA soldiers were killed in the attack. The victims were identified as Mohamed Hassan Guutaale and Dable Ali Muxumed Gooni. Three other soldiers were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The Defense Ministry reported that government troops responded swiftly, overpowering the Jubbaland fighters and seizing control of their military camp in the area. The ministry said federal forces are now working to “ensure security, maintain stability, and protect the people” of Gedo.
Officials called on Jubbaland fighters to lay down their arms, accusing President Madobe of “inciting war in the Gedo region” and misleading his troops into fighting against the national army.
Among those killed in the clashes was Colonel Hussein Giif, Jubbaland’s police commander in Gedo. His death was confirmed by Jubbaland’s Minister of Internal Security, who condemned the killing and accused federal forces of being responsible. The minister also called for justice over the commander’s death.
The renewed fighting highlights the long-standing political and military tensions between Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubbaland administration. The two sides have been in conflict for years over control of the Gedo region, a strategic area along Somalia’s border with Kenya.
Background to the Conflict
The Gedo region has been a flashpoint in Somalia’s complex political landscape. Jubbaland, which has its own regional government and security forces, is led by President Ahmed Madobe, a former militia leader who has had a tense relationship with Mogadishu.
Federal authorities accuse Madobe of resisting national security reforms and refusing to integrate Jubbaland forces into the Somali National Army, as required under the country’s security agreements. Mogadishu also claims Jubbaland has maintained close ties with Kenya, which has troops stationed in the region as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission.
Jubbaland officials, on the other hand, accuse the federal government of trying to undermine their autonomy and impose direct control over Gedo. They argue that Mogadishu’s deployment of federal troops to the region is an attempt to weaken Jubbaland’s influence and replace its leadership with figures loyal to the central government.
The Human Cost
Clashes between the two sides have erupted repeatedly in recent years, often leading to civilian displacement and loss of life. While Monday’s fighting was centered around military positions, tensions in the area have left local communities fearful of renewed instability.
Medical workers in Gedo say the injured soldiers are being treated in local facilities, and there are concerns that more casualties could be discovered if fighting continues. Humanitarian groups have previously warned that such clashes disrupt aid delivery and worsen the humanitarian situation in an already fragile region.
Calls for Restraint
Regional elders and community leaders are now urging both sides to stop the violence and resolve their disputes through dialogue. They warn that continued armed confrontations will only deepen divisions and make it harder to achieve peace in Somalia.
International partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, have also called in the past for reconciliation between Mogadishu and Jubbaland, stressing that unity among Somali security forces is vital for the country’s stability and the fight against the extremist group al-Shabaab.
For now, however, the situation in Gedo remains tense. Government troops say they will continue to hold their positions, while Jubbaland leaders insist they will defend their territory. The coming days will likely determine whether this latest round of fighting escalates further or gives way to renewed negotiations.