DOLOW, Somalia – The vibrant town of Doolow, with its bustling streets and the hum of daily life, recently became the unexpected backdrop for a military standoff that has captured both local and international attention. Clashes echoed through its alleys on a Monday that would redefine its current narrative, revealing an intensifying struggle between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland forces. What lies at the heart of this conflict? The pivotal Gedo region, a crown jewel both the federal government and the regional authority of Jubaland are vying to control.
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This isn’t a sudden eruption. For several months, tensions have simmered between Mogadishu and Jubaland, creating a landscape of unease as the federal government attempts to assert its influence over this critical enclave. The struggle initially found its sparks in Raskamboni and El-Wak before fanning out to Beled-Hawo and now Doolow.
Recent reports emerging from Doolow have painted a vivid picture of the tension that unfolded. Loyalists of the town’s commissioner, fortified by Ethiopian contingents stationed there, found themselves in a head-to-head confrontation with Somali intelligence forces operating from a UK-established base in Jubaland. One might wonder, how did this spiral into violence?
Witnesses recount how pro-Jubaland troops, in a coordinated maneuver with Ethiopian colleagues, encircled the camp operated by federal forces. A moment of unsettling calm was shattered when gunfire ensued. The air filled with the stark sounds of conflict, raising alarms among stakeholders, both within the region and beyond.
Tragedy struck when ammunition housed within the camp caught alight, culminating in catastrophic explosions. Sources confirm that two lives were lost, including that of a federal government soldier. Major Saleban Gayra Garane, leading the contingent, was apprehended alongside several comrades—a grim reminder of the cost of hostilities.
Amidst these unfolding events, Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was away in Addis Ababa. There, he attended a UN Summit on food security—a cause perhaps offering its own lessons in scarcity and competition, resonating with the current struggle for Gedo. Neither the Somali nor the Ethiopian government has yet addressed the incident publicly.
Reflect back to December 2024—it was then that Somalia pointed fingers at Ethiopian forces for what it termed as an “unprovoked and unexpected” aggression on its soil in Doolow. The memory of that day lives on, coloring current events with shades of past grievances and casting doubt on peace accords like the Ankara Declaration. This ceasefire agreement, intended as a balm over wounds between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, now seems precarious.
The current district Commissioner of Doolow, Mohamed Hussein Abdi Lafey, is widely regarded as the town’s unofficial gatekeeper. His alliances, particularly with the Ethiopian units present, have not gone unnoticed. A local resident mentioned that these troops appeared to align themselves with Lafey’s interests—a reflection of the complex tapestry of loyalties defining this region.
As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud eyes control over Gedo, his longer game becomes clearer: setting the stage for voter registration ahead of the crucial 2026 elections. His visions, however, meet firm resistance from Jubaland’s determined leader, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, sparking poignant questions about sovereignty and self-determination. Where will this power struggle lead, and who among the citizens lets their voice be heard?
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”—Sun Tzu
The words of ancient wisdom find their resonance today, capturing the essence of a struggle where each side sees itself defending deeper values and aspirations. Observers, much like townsfolk caught in the swirl of daily life, wonder—will peace and collaboration prevail?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring
