KISMAYO, Somalia — Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the regional administration of Jubbaland have escalated, with Jubbaland officials accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government of undermining regional stability and overstepping constitutional boundaries in the Gedo region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jubbaland leaders claimed that federal forces had been deployed to the region, disrupting security operations and heightening fears among local residents. The regional government labeled these actions as a deliberate attempt to exert control over Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions, describing them as unconstitutional and harmful to the country’s fragile peace.

“The federal government’s interference in Gedo endangers lives and jeopardizes regional stability,” said Jubbaland’s Information Minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the dispute. “We demand an immediate end to these aggressive and destabilizing maneuvers.”

Gedo, which borders Kenya and Ethiopia, holds immense strategic importance due to its porous borders and history of armed group activity, including the persistent threat posed by the al-Shabab insurgency. The region has long been a flashpoint in Somalia’s complex political landscape, with disputes over autonomy, resource sharing, and security management contributing to ongoing friction between Jubbaland and Mogadishu.

While President Mohamud’s administration has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, previous federal government statements have emphasized the importance of national unity and framed military operations in the region as critical to combatting terrorism and ensuring national security.

The standoff has placed residents of Gedo in a precarious position. Ahmed Yusuf, a shopkeeper in the town of Dolow, voiced the frustrations of many: “We just want peace. This back-and-forth between leaders only brings suffering to the people.” While some in the region support Jubbaland’s calls for autonomy and local governance, others fear that the escalating political tensions could lead to further violence and instability.

This latest conflict comes at a particularly critical time for Somalia, as the country faces immense challenges from both internal political divisions and external security threats. The al-Shabab militant group continues to exploit weak governance and localized disputes, further complicating efforts to restore peace and stability.

KISMAYO, Somalia — Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the regional administration of Jubbaland have escalated, with Jubbaland officials accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government of undermining regional stability and overstepping constitutional boundaries in the Gedo region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jubbaland leaders claimed that federal forces had been deployed to the region, disrupting security operations and heightening fears among local residents. The regional government labeled these actions as a deliberate attempt to exert control over Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions, describing them as unconstitutional and harmful to the country’s fragile peace.

“The federal government’s interference in Gedo endangers lives and jeopardizes regional stability,” said Jubbaland’s Information Minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the dispute. “We demand an immediate end to these aggressive and destabilizing maneuvers.”

Gedo, which borders Kenya and Ethiopia, holds immense strategic importance due to its porous borders and history of armed group activity, including the persistent threat posed by the al-Shabab insurgency. The region has long been a flashpoint in Somalia’s complex political landscape, with disputes over autonomy, resource sharing, and security management contributing to ongoing friction between Jubbaland and Mogadishu.

While President Mohamud’s administration has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, previous federal government statements have emphasized the importance of national unity and framed military operations in the region as critical to combatting terrorism and ensuring national security.

The standoff has placed residents of Gedo in a precarious position. Ahmed Yusuf, a shopkeeper in the town of Dolow, voiced the frustrations of many: “We just want peace. This back-and-forth between leaders only brings suffering to the people.” While some in the region support Jubbaland’s calls for autonomy and local governance, others fear that the escalating political tensions could lead to further violence and instability.

This latest conflict comes at a particularly critical time for Somalia, as the country faces immense challenges from both internal political divisions and external security threats. The al-Shabab militant group continues to exploit weak governance and localized disputes, further complicating efforts to restore peace and stability.