RASKAMBONI, Somalia – In a dramatic turn of events, several soldiers from Jubaland’s forces have defected to join the Somali National Army (SNA), arriving in the border town of Raskamboni on four boats. This move deals a blow to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s leadership, raising concerns about loyalty within his ranks.

The federal government has welcomed the defectors, promising them regular pay and potential promotions which some see as part of a strategy to strengthen its influence in the region.

The defections come at a tense time. Just a day earlier, President Madobe had issued a 15-day ultimatum for federal troops to leave Raskamboni, a strategically important town near the Kenyan border. Jubaland has long pushed for more autonomy, while the federal government wants to maintain control over the area. The defecting soldiers’ decision to switch sides has added fuel to an already heated dispute, with many wondering what this means for the future of Jubaland’s authority.

In response, Jubaland officials denied that the defectors were part of its forces. A statement from Jubaland TV claimed these were federal troops flown into the area and falsely presented as Jubaland soldiers. The statement accused the federal government of spreading misinformation to weaken Jubaland’s reputation.

 This back-and-forth highlight the mistrust between Jubaland and Mogadishu, as both sides accuse each other of undermining stability in the region. For the people of Raskamboni and the surrounding areas, these political and military conflicts are more than just headlines—they impact everyday life. The town is already under pressure from the threat of Al-Shabaab insurgents, and now residents fear further instability.