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The federal government of Somalia has accused close allies of Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe of stirring up unrest in the Gedo region. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Security on Wednesday, certain individuals with ties to Madobe are organizing secret meetings and spreading false information to create instability.
One of the individuals mentioned by name is Mahmoud Sayid Aden, a former official accused of having a history of fueling insecurity in Gedo. Authorities now suspect him of being involved again in efforts to destabilize the region.
“The Federal Government of Somalia is aware of ongoing unrest instigated by individuals acting on the orders of Ahmed Madobe,” the ministry stated. “They are holding secret meetings aimed at causing conflict in Gedo and using false narratives to hide their actions.”
The government warned that these activities will not go unpunished. It said legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for encouraging violence or instability. The ministry emphasized that the Somali National Army (SNA) is fully deployed in the Gedo region and has been maintaining a strong presence there for more than 15 years.
“National forces, working closely with the local community, are doing their constitutional duty—protecting peace, promoting stability, and fighting terrorist threats,” the ministry added.
The tensions in Gedo are part of a larger political and security struggle between the federal government and Jubbaland’s regional leadership. In recent weeks, the town of Beled-Hawo has become a flashpoint. Federal troops, led by Abdirashid Janan—once a Jubbaland security minister who later joined the federal side—have taken control from forces loyal to Jubbaland.
While the federal government says it is restoring order, Jubbaland leaders see the move as a violation of their regional autonomy. The situation has also caught the attention of Ethiopia, which shares a sensitive border with Gedo. Ethiopian officials have expressed concern, urging Somali federal troops to withdraw, warning that their continued presence may increase tensions in the border area.
In its statement, the Somali government issued a strong warning to political figures and armed groups who may be trying to take advantage of the situation to escalate tensions. The ministry said that authorities are closely monitoring those involved and will take legal action where necessary.
“The government warns individuals and factions attempting to provoke violence that their actions are being monitored and they will be held accountable,” the ministry said.
Despite the growing tensions, the federal government ended its statement by thanking the people of Gedo and their traditional leaders for cooperating with government forces. It praised them for standing together in support of peace and national unity.
“The government thanks the residents and administration of Gedo for their unity, patriotism, and commitment to peace,” the ministry said. “The federal government stands firmly with the people.”