MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Federal Government has defended the continued deployment of national army forces in the Gedo region, accusing senior Jubbaland officials of fueling unrest and attempting to obstruct federal security operations.
In a statement released on August 6, the Ministry of Internal Security alleged that individuals affiliated with Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) are actively engaging in destabilization efforts, including disinformation campaigns aimed at concealing what the federal government described as “criminal acts.”
The ministry specifically named Jubbaland Vice President Mohamud Sayid Aden, accusing him of involvement in previous clashes in the region and of recently gathering intelligence in Gedo with unclear intent.
The Federal Government reaffirmed that the Somali National Army (SNA) has been operating in Gedo for over 15 years under its constitutional mandate to protect national sovereignty and combat terrorism. It stressed that the army works in partnership with local communities.
“Any individual or group that attempts to ignite unrest or obstruct national security efforts will be held accountable under the law,” the statement read. “The government will not tolerate actions that threaten peace, unity, and public order.”
The statement also commended the people of Gedo for their “patriotism, patience, and cooperation with the Somali National Army and government institutions.”
The announcement comes amid persistent political friction between Mogadishu and Jubbaland authorities over control of security and governance in Gedo.
In recent weeks, tensions flared in Beled-Hawo, where clashes broke out between Jubbaland-aligned forces and federal troops. The federal government later confirmed that its forces had regained full control of the town.
