MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government is preparing to deploy additional troops to the Gedo region in a push to oversee voter registration and parliamentary seat selections ahead of the 2026 presidential vote, Caasimada Online news website reported on Saturday.
The government has mobilized former Jubaland security officials alongside military and political personnel, equipping them with heavy weaponry. Reinforcements are expected to be airlifted into the region in the coming days.
The federal government’s objective is to assert authority over key urban centers in Gedo, ensuring it has greater influence over the electoral process—a move opposed by Jubaland, which currently controls parts of the region.
Tensions between federal forces and Jubaland-aligned troops have simmered for months, with clashes previously erupting in the area. Although open conflict has subsided, the situation remains volatile.
In response to the planned deployment, Jubaland has dispatched a high-level delegation led by Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan to Balad Hawo, a strategic town near the Kenyan border. The delegation is reportedly coordinating defensive measures to counter potential federal offensives on Jubaland-held territories in Gedo.
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