Somali Government Sends Forces to El-Wak District Following Unsuccessful Talks with Jubbaland
FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Saturday, word got out that the Somali federal government had ramped up its military presence in the El-Wak district, nestled in the Gedo region. The tension with Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe has simmered without resolution, leading to this decisive move, insiders confirmed.
Swooping in like a determined flock, troops from the Somali National Army’s 43rd Division have dug in, readying themselves for upcoming clashes against the ever-persistent al-Shabab insurgents spread across the Gedo, Lower Juba, and Middle Juba areas. Yet, this surge of soldiers hit the ground without syncing up with the Jubbaland administration. People in the know speculate this could fan the already smoldering tensions.
In an intriguing twist, officials from Kenya embarked on a diplomatic dance, hosting separate powwows with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in the bustling streets of Mogadishu, and with Jubbaland’s own Ahmed Madobe in the coastal city of Kismayo. Among these peacemakers were the former IGAD Secretary General Mahbub Moalim and the ex-IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey, aiming to cool the political impasse.
Despite their spirited attempts and negotiations, the divide remained as deep as a canyon. Each side held tight to their beliefs, unwilling to budge an inch. Madobe had already walked out of a National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, insisting that Northeastern State and SSC-Khatumo also have seats at the table. Meanwhile, Northeastern State continued its stand-offish boycott of NCC gatherings, citing ongoing riffs with the federal government as the root cause.
This deadlock shines a spotlight on larger disputes about how Somalia should conduct its elections. On one hand, there’s Madobe pitching for indirect elections, like a seasoned salesman championing the benefits of his product. On the other, federal leaders and three regional states have jumped on the bandwagon for universal suffrage, hoping to bring the elusive ideal of democracy to fruition.
The wheels of the Somali government seem to grind in contemplative silence regarding the soldier deployment and the stalemate in negotiations. Pundits who spend their days observing the scene like hawks sound the alarm, cautioning that this widening rift could throw a spanner in vital national gears, potentially derailing efforts to achieve both stability and pivotal electoral reforms.
In the background, this unfolding drama is a vivid snapshot of Somalia’s political landscape in turmoil. At its heart lies the challenge of reconciling varied visions for its future. The federal state desires a unified approach while regional leaders aspire to retain significant local control. This tug-of-war continues to shape the ebb and flow of Somali politics, leaving both insiders and onlookers gripped by the unfolding story.
Tensions are running high, and the stakes are immense. As players on every side hold firm to their stakes, it seems inevitable that only through innovative approaches and relentless dialogue can this political knot be untied, paving a smoother path ahead.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
