Following a week of increased tensions and clashes along the Kenya-Somalia border, a bit of normalcy has returned to Mandera Town.
The clashes took place when Somali National Army (SNA) engaged Jubaland forces in an intense, daylong fight.
SNA troops are trying to recapture Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubaland Security Minister, who escaped from custody and relocated to Kenya early this year.
Last week’s clashes displaced hundreds of people living and working along the border. The Balad-Hawo battle triggered a massive breakdown in communication.
On Monday, Governor Ali Roba of Mandera County issued an internal memo in which he said that Jubaland forces had moved away 7kms. He says the forces are now in Somalia.
Governor Roba further said, “We are monitoring the situation closely, though.”
He has asked the Efficiency and Monitoring Unit (EMU) in his administration to perform spot checks around the county.
The governor further directed EMU to ensure that residents begin getting services from the county officers beginning Tuesday.