Jubaland Forces Claim Control of Beled-Hawo Amid Fierce Clashes

KISMAYO, Somalia — In a significant development, Jubaland’s regional forces announced on Monday that they had gained complete control over Beled-Hawo, a strategically vital town in the Gedo region, close to the bustling Kenyan border. This announcement comes after intense clashes with troops aligned with the Somali federal government.

The strife unfolded unexpectedly when, as reported, two military helicopters descended upon the town. These aircraft were said to be carrying senior Somali security officials, notably Abdirashid Janan, a man whose political journey has been nothing short of controversial. Once Jubaland’s security minister, Janan has recently risen to prominence again, appointed as head of intelligence for the Gedo region by federal authorities.

Through Jubaland-affiliated media channels, the regional administration didn’t hesitate to proclaim their triumph. Their forces had taken over the district administration headquarters, asserting control over the town’s security operations. As they put it, “The Jubaland security forces are now in full control of Beled-Hawo. Several members of the militia responsible for destabilizing the town have been captured, and operations are ongoing to track down the remaining elements, including Abdirashid Janan.”

Though specific details on casualties weren’t officially disclosed by Jubaland, local sources painted a grim picture: at least five soldiers from opposing camps perished, and numerous others, including innocent civilians, bore the brunt of this violent confrontation, suffering injuries sustained in the crossfire of heavy weapons.

As evening settled and the dust from the skirmish began to settle, a semblance of calm returned to the town. Yet, an undercurrent of fear remained palpable among the residents. Could this uneasy peace simply be the calm before another storm? The tense standoff between federal forces and those loyal to Jubaland is like a tinderbox—one wrong spark could reignite the conflict.

Beled-Hawo has long been a hotbed of contention. A microcosm of the broader power struggle between the federal government in Mogadishu and the Jubaland administration led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known more widely as Ahmed Madobe, this town has seen its fair share of turmoil.

Reflecting on this situation, one might wonder about the path to lasting peace. Are there lessons from other regions or historical epochs that can guide these leaders toward a resolution that privileges dialogue over discord? In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The challenges are immense, yes, but the possibilities for peace and progress are equally compelling.

The cyclical nature of conflict is wearying; it frays the social fabric and leaves lasting scars on the community. A local elder might recount tales of more peaceful times, when the alleys of Beled-Hawo echoed with laughter and the markets thrummed with life, rather than dread. “We have seen better days,” he might say wistfully, “but our hearts yearn for tranquility to return.”

As stakeholders deliberate on the future of Beled-Hawo, the hope remains that the embers of peace will be stoked until they outshine the flames of warfare. It’s a complex dance between holding firm to one’s principles and the courage to reach out with an olive branch. A dialogue-driven approach, though fraught with challenges, could pave the way for a more harmonious future.

This unfolding narrative captures more than just a territorial dispute; it’s a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the never-ending quest for peace in the face of adversity.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring