BELED HAWO, Somalia—The Minister of Internal Security for Somalia’s semi-autonomous Jubbaland state, Major General Yusuf Hussein Osman Dhumal, on Sunday dismissed social media reports that government forces in Baladhawo District of the Gedo Region had surrendered to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
In a statement aimed at quelling the rumors, Dhumal made it clear that there was no capitulation by Jubbaland forces, stating, “I categorically deny that there are no Dervish Jubaland government troops in the area, which is a mistake for the federal government and the people of Gedo.” He clarified that the Dervish forces, which are part of Jubbaland’s security apparatus, had undergone a transition handled by the former security minister, Abdirashid Hasan Abdi Nur, not a surrender to federal authorities.
This clarification comes amidst heightened tension in the region, with social media platforms abuzz over the past few hours with claims of a significant shift in control. Gedo has long been a flashpoint for disputes between the central government in Mogadishu and the regional administration of Jubbaland, primarily over issues related to security, governance, and the control of local militia units like the Dervish forces.
The ongoing feud underscores the complexities of Somalia’s federal structure where semi-autonomous states like Jubbaland, which borders Kenya and Ethiopia, often operate with a degree of independence from the central government, leading to frequent standoffs over regional control and military allegiance.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions, highlighting the broader challenges of maintaining unity and peace in a country still recovering from decades of civil conflict.
