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Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo calls for independent probe into Jamea fighting following intense military clashes between national armed forces and insurgent groups in the Bay region. In an official public statement, the former head of state urged federal institutions and oversight bodies to initiate a transparent, impartial investigation into the security operation that occurred near Jamea along the corridor between Leego and Burhakaba. Expressing serious concern over reports of heavy casualties and operational setbacks, Farmaajo asserted that political interests should never compromise the safety and well-being of frontline personnel serving in the national armed forces.
The demand for an independent inquiry comes amid contrasting accounts regarding the outcome of the battle in the Bay region. Federal defense officials reported that government forces successfully repelled insurgent attacks under Operation Banooda, neutralizing approximately 75 Al-Shabaab fighters and injuring dozens more during the engagement. However, reports suggest that national troop columns faced heavily coordinated ambushes involving vehicle-borne explosive devices, leading to disputed casualty figures and equipment losses that have not been independently verified by neutral observers.
Farmaajo’s intervention echoes similar demands raised by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who also called for a thorough review of command decisions and tactical planning surrounding recent military deployments. Opposition leaders argue that political disagreements between the federal administration and regional leadership must not spill over into security operations, warning that inadequate operational preparation risks exposing troops to unnecessary danger. Civic leaders and defense policy analysts have emphasized that establishing clear facts regarding the Jamea engagement is crucial for maintaining public trust and preserving army morale.
In response to growing public scrutiny, federal government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, commending the bravery and sacrifice of national security personnel on the frontlines. Executive officials maintained that military operations across central-southern regions are conducted under professional command structures aimed at restoring state sovereignty and neutralizing extremist threats. As Farmaajo calls for independent probe into Jamea fighting, civil society organizations and international partners continue to urge all political stakeholders to prioritize national stability, institutional transparency, and the protection of armed forces.