KISMAYO, Somalia — The coastal city of Kismayo, the capital of the Lower Jubba region, has seen a significant increase in security measures over the past few hours.
Local reports indicate that additional troops from the Jubaland administration have been deployed throughout the city, initiating robust security operations.
The military presence has also been fortified at Kismayo’s airport, where extra personnel have been stationed to enhance security protocols.
The escalation in security measures comes in the wake of heightened conflict between the semi-autonomous state of Jubbaland and Somalia’s central government.
The tension peaked following an announcement by Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe, who declared a severance of relations with the federal government in Mogadishu, known locally as Villa Somalia.
This move has further strained the already fragile relationship between the two entities.
Amidst these political upheavals, Jubbaland is pushing forward with plans to expedite its electoral process, a move that has been met with opposition from the federal government.
The disagreement over the electoral timeline adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute, reflecting broader issues of autonomy and governance in Somalia.
