MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government on Wednesday reinforced its military presence in the Lower Juba region by airlifting additional troops and weapons to Raskamboni, intensifying its strategic buildup in preparation for a potential clash with Jubaland forces, Caasimada Online news website reported.
This move follows a federal airlift just a week earlier, in which hundreds of troops were deployed to the town on Somalia’s southern border with Kenya, a clear signal of pressure on Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe to comply with the government’s demands after his controversial re-election for a third term, deemed unconstitutional and treasonous by the federal authorities.
Dozens of Jubaland forces have recently capitulated to federal troops in Raskamboni, a maneuver that seems part of Mogadishu’s broader strategy to fracture Jubaland’s ranks and isolate regional leader Ahmed Madobe, leaving him vulnerable and devoid of the strength to defend his position.
The regional leader recently issued a 15-year ultimatum to federal authorities, demanding the withdrawal of troops from Raskamboni, warning that failure to comply would result in the forcible expulsion of federal forces and the restoration of his control, while also placing several security commanders under house arrest for allegedly conspiring with the federal government to prevent further defections to the Somali army.
A convoy of Somali army personnel moved from Kismayo to Raskamboni to bolster forces in the town, just days after Jubaland’s leader deployed hundreds of fresh troops to nearby Badhadhe town, escalating a massive military buildup that raises fears of an imminent confrontation, potentially deepening the state’s long-standing tribal and political tensions.
As Mogadishu intensifies its troop deployment to Raskamboni, Jubaland authorities have issued a warning to airlines, citing the escalating risk of conflict in the area, while the Somali government has imposed a ban on meetings in support of Jubaland’s leader within the capital, arresting a hotel manager this week for allowing such a gathering to take place at his establishment.
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