MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Heavy fighting erupted in the southern Somalia town of Kismayo on Saturday as Jubaland regional security forces clashed with troops loyal to an opposition presidential contender challenging the entrenched state leader, Ahmed Madobe, ahead of the crucial election set for November 25th.
The gunfight broke out after regional opposition presidential candidate Ilyas Beddel Gabose was denied entry to a hotel where election preparations were in progress. Tensions rapidly escalated when one of his bodyguards was killed, igniting a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The resounding cracks of gunfire echoed across the coastal city, sparking alarm among residents who feared that rising tensions could spiral into a full-scale confrontation. Casualties were reported on both sides, though the exact toll remains unclear.
The presidential candidate, whose forces clashed with Jubaland regional troops, announced his bid for regional president just days ago and is a member of Somalia’s Senate, though it remains uncertain whether Jubaland leader, who favors competing against politically inexperienced and obscure candidates lacking any real presidential ambition to secure an uncontested victory, will permit him to run.
Somali Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag swiftly condemned the violence in Kismayo, accusing the Jubaland leader of exacerbating tensions in the region and deliberately steering it toward an all-out collapse into further, more devastating conflict.
“I unequivocally condemn the assault by Ahmed Madobe on a hotel housing politicians and civilians who are peacefully staying in Kismayo,” Fartag said.
“This demonstrates that Ahmed is determined to provoke a civil war between the brotherly communities living in Jubaland,” he added.
This comes just days after Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, formerly an ally of Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, accused his erstwhile friend of attempting to oust his government and warned him against using security forces to fuel violence in a bid to secure re-election, declaring that such actions would be considered a criminal offense. read more
In a stark sign of escalating tensions between Jubaland and the federal government, Mogadishu recently grounded all flights from the capital to Dolow town in the Gedo region, retaliating against Jubaland authorities for the arrest of six army officers en route to Elwak. Additionally, Mogadishu has deployed troops and weapons to Elwak in a clear effort to oust Jubaland-aligned administration from key towns in Gedo, though the effectiveness of these actions in compelling Madobe to submit to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s authority remains uncertain. read more
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
