KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland authorities escalated their confrontation with the Somali federal government by claiming they targeted a plane suspected of carrying weapon supplies to Raskamboni, a key town in the Lower Juba region.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, has significantly heightened tensions between the semi-autonomous state of Jubaland and the central government in Mogadishu.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the Somali government had recently brokered agreements with local airlines to facilitate the deployment of troops to Raskamboni, disregarding explicit warnings from Jubaland against such flights. “We explicitly warned about these unauthorized flights,” said a Jubaland official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
The plane, identified as a cargo aircraft, was reportedly fired upon with anti-aircraft weapons as it attempted to leave Raskamboni. While there’s no immediate confirmation on whether the plane was hit, the act underscores the severe discord between Jubaland and the federal government over control, autonomy, and the management of security operations against Al-Shabaab militants.
This latest clash comes amidst a backdrop of political strife. Jubaland, led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe, has been in a contentious relationship with the central government, particularly following Madobe’s re-election, which the federal government has not recognized. The Somali government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has criticized Madobe for allegedly using local forces against national interests rather than focusing on combating Al-Shabaab.
The deployment of federal troops to Raskamboni was seen by Jubaland as an attempt to assert control over the region, which has been a point of contention due to its strategic importance near the Kenyan border and as a potential gateway for military operations against insurgent groups. Jubaland officials argue that such actions by the federal government undermine their authority and threaten the stability of the region.
In response to this incident, Jubaland has suspended all flights to and from Raskamboni, effectively cutting off air supply routes to federal troops stationed there. They’ve also issued stern warnings to airlines, stating, “Any further unauthorized flights will be considered hostile.”
This standoff not only illustrates the fragility of Somalia’s federal structure but also poses significant risks to the ongoing efforts against Al-Shabaab, as internal conflicts could divert attention and resources from the broader anti-insurgency campaign. The situation remains fluid, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions, and international observers are calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation and to stabilize the region.
The implications of this incident could ripple through Somalia’s political and security landscape, potentially affecting regional stability and the country’s fight against terrorism. As of now, neither side has made moves towards de-escalation, signaling a challenging period ahead for Somalia’s unity and governance.
