KISMAYO, Somalia — Tensions in the Lower Jubba region of Somalia are on the brink of boiling over as Jubbaland’s Deputy Minister of Security, Adan Ahmed Haji, declared Monday that federal government troops stationed in Raskambooni are now isolated, with both sea and air routes sealed off.
In a press conference held in Kismayo, Haji gave a stark warning to the federal forces, stating they have 48 hours to vacate the area or face “strict actions” from Jubbaland’s security forces.
Haji criticized the federal troops for destabilizing the security in Raskambooni, emphasizing that such actions would not be overlooked.
This latest demand comes on the heels of an earlier 15-day ultimatum from Jubbaland’s re-elected President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Ahmed Madobe, calling for the withdrawal of federal troops from the region.
However, instead of withdrawing, the federal government has reportedly increased its military presence in Raskambooni, further inflaming the situation.
The standoff has intensified local fears of potential military conflict, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
Local and international observers closely monitor the developments, concerned about the possibility of the situation escalating into a full-scale confrontation between the semi-autonomous Jubbaland administration and the central Somali government.
