MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The death toll from fierce clashes between Somali federal forces and troops loyal to Jubaland administration in the border town of Balad Hawo has risen to 10, with dozens more reported injured. Tensions remain high as both sides continue to reinforce their positions, signaling the potential for further confrontation.
The violence erupted unexpectedly on Tuesday shortly after the newly appointed commander of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdirashid Janan, arrived in the town by helicopter, landing at a military installation on the outskirts of Balad Hawo, a town situated near the Kenyan border.
According to a journalist reporting for Universal Somali TV, the gunfire broke out during daylight hours while businesses were open and residents were engaged in their daily routines. “No one anticipated Janan’s arrival or the ensuing violence,” the journalist said.
Over the past several weeks, the Somali federal government has been deploying additional troops to the town. Local reports estimate that over 2,000 government personnel—including military and intelligence units—were stationed in Balad Hawo at the time of the incident.
Both the federal government and the Jubaland administration have issued statements accusing each other of initiating the hostilities. However, local sources suggest that the confrontation was triggered by Jubaland forces in response to Janan’s controversial deployment.
Jubaland authorities later claimed control over Balad Hawo, asserting that their forces had routed federal troops, who reportedly retreated to military positions on the town’s outskirts. Eyewitnesses corroborated that federal forces were pushed out of the urban center but continue to hold key strategic positions outside the town.
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the outbreak of violence. In a joint statement, they accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of reneging on a June 25 agreement to uphold national unity and refrain from actions that could destabilize the country.
The president is prioritizing internal political conflict over the fight against extremist insurgents, risking national cohesion and emboldening external threats, the opposition said, warning that the government’s aggressive posture could lead to further fragmentation.
Gedo region has long been a flashpoint in the power struggle between the federal government and Jubaland, particularly during election seasons. Control over the selection of members of parliament—who play a decisive role in Somalia’s indirect presidential elections—has been a central point of contention.
This year, however, the federal government has announced its intention to hold direct, one-person-one-vote elections. Reports suggest that voter registration is imminent in Gedo region, despite fierce opposition from Jubaland, Puntland, and key opposition parties.
Critics allege that Mogadishu residents are being coerced—at times under threat—to register, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the process. Mogadishu’s mayor, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Mungab), said this week that over 500,000 people have already registered, but opposition leaders argue that the country lacks the institutional capacity, security infrastructure, and time to hold credible direct elections before the federal mandate expires next year.
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