Tension Escalates in Mandera as Conflict Spills Into Kenyan Territories
MANDERA, Kenya – Residents of Mandera are gripped by fear and unease, as cross-border clashes from Somalia seep into Kenyan lands with stray bullets and rockets causing havoc.
Mandera Senator Ali Roba has sounded the alarm, warning about the escalating dangers from the turmoil just over the border.
“We’re fed up! Mandera is constantly under threat from Somalia’s relentless conflicts,” Roba expressed on social media. “Stray gunfire and rockets are jeopardizing lives on our soil.”
Recently, Mandera has witnessed numerous security breaches, with projectiles from Somalia’s battles landing dangerously close.
“These are no accidents — they’re direct consequences of unresolved conflicts,” he stated. “Families live in dread, children can’t play outside freely, and businesses close early due to fear. Kenyan citizens deserve better.”
Locals are urging the Kenyan government to take swift action to protect lives and maintain the nation’s territorial integrity. There are calls for Nairobi to pressurize both Somalia’s Federal Government and the Jubaland authorities to reduce hostilities along the border.
“Kenya’s responsibility is clear — safeguard Mandera at any cost. Silence is unacceptable. We demand immediate action,” Roba urged. “Our government must definitively warn Mogadishu and Jubaland that this is intolerable.”
On the Somali side, residents in Dollo and Bulla Hawa, within the Gedo region, live amidst growing tensions fueled by political and military strife. Known as the “triangle war,” the conflict sees Somali government forces clashing with Jubaland and local militia.
The strategic town of Bulla Hawa, situated at the crossroads of Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, recently saw a takeover by federal troops, exacerbating regional instability.
The Vice President of Jubaland issued an ultimatum for militia leader Abdirashid Janan to vacate the area within three days. However, local elders secured a brief extension, allowing the militia to stay until post-Friday prayers. Community voices echoed: “After Friday prayers, we will fight as patriots.”
Tensions have escalated with claims of Kenyan support for Jubaland, straining diplomatic ties, though Nairobi hasn’t officially addressed the accusations.
Concerns mounted after reports emerged of an Ethiopian military helicopter being spotted in Janan’s stronghold, amplifying speculation of foreign involvement.
With the situation rapidly deteriorating, there’s a clamor for national and international intervention to prevent a crisis and safeguard civilians caught in the chaos.
Mandera, a secluded town in northeastern Kenya near the Somali and Ethiopian borders, has long been vulnerable to regional instability.
AXADLETM
