MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Kenya has given Jubaland forces who crossed into its territory following fierce clashes with Somalia’s army last week a few days to return to their country, amid rising tensions along the border, Caasimada Online news website reported on Wednesday.
Local officials in northeastern Kenya confirmed that Jubaland fighters, who were overpowered during a battle in the border town of Balad Hawo last week, fled to Mandera, a Kenyan town just across the frontier. Authorities have now directed them to withdraw, following pressure from Somalia’s federal government.
Mogadishu has demanded the return of the troops, accusing Jubaland — a semi-autonomous regional state in southern Somalia — of undermining federal authority in the disputed Gedo region. The Somali government is offering amnesty and reintegration incentives to surrendering fighters, including promises of improved pay and integration into the national army.
“Those who have surrendered in recent weeks will receive salaries this month, on par with national troops stationed in Gedo,” Abdirashid Janan, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) commander in the region, said.
The standoff has drawn in regional powers, deepening the diplomatic rift. Ethiopia — a key backer of Jubaland authorities — has reportedly ordered Somali federal troops to withdraw from Balad Hawo within three days or face unspecified severe “consequences.”
The Somali federal government has yet to respond officially, but local officials in Gedo described Ethiopia’s warning as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Ethiopia maintains tens of thousands of troops across southern Somalia, some operating under the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, and others conducting operations independently. Somali officials have long accused Ethiopian forces of acting with impunity, including killing and detaining government troops as well as interfering in domestic affairs.
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