UK Condemns Violent Clashes in Raskamboni, Calls for Calm and Dialogue

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the violent conflict in Raskamboni that resulted in significant loss of life and heightened tensions between Jubaland State forces and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

In a statement issued Thursday, the UK expressed deep regret over the escalation, warning that such political differences should not lead to conflict:“It is deeply regrettable that political differences have resulted in serious conflict and that calls for de-escalation have been ignored. These avoidable events destabilize Jubaland, are to the detriment of Somalia’s security, and likely benefit Al-Shabaab,” the UK statement read.

The clashes erupted on Wednesday in the strategic port town of Ras Kamboni, where Jubaland State forces reportedly gained the upper hand, taking control of the area. Somalia’s Ministry of Defense explained the withdrawal of its forces as a strategic retreat to avoid bloodshed among “forces of the same nation,” but accused Jubaland State leadership of facilitating Al-Shabaab’s movement along the Kismayo-Ras-kamboni corridor.

Jubaland authorities, on the other hand, claimed that several Somali National Army (SNA) troops surrendered during the operation.

Impact on Civilians

The UK statement also expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the clashes:“We particularly deplore the impact on civilians who have had their lives disrupted by the cutting of telecommunication networks and the restriction of movement.”