Beled-Hawo, Somalia — Tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubbaland regional administration have deepened following deadly clashes in Beled-Hawo town earlier this week. In a strongly worded statement, Jubbaland has accused federal authorities of misusing national counterterrorism resources to pursue political vendettas.
Speaking exclusively to local media, Jubbaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, condemned Tuesday’s violence, calling it a “preventable tragedy fueled by personal and political agendas.”
He alleged that the federal government had “hijacked Somalia’s counterterrorism arsenal to settle political scores — turning guns meant for fighting terrorists against its own citizens.”
The remarks follow intense fighting in the border town of Beled-Hawo, located in Somalia’s Gedo region.
Local sources confirmed that the clashes involved federal troops and Jubbaland-aligned forces, resulting in casualties and displacement of civilians. While exact numbers remain unverified, residents report dozens of injuries and significant property damage.
The confrontation is the latest in a series of power struggles between Mogadishu and Kismayo, where Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe remains at odds with the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The town of Beled-Hawo has long been a flashpoint in this rivalry, particularly due to its strategic location near the Kenyan border.
“The government in Mogadishu is betraying the national mission. Instead of focusing on Al-Shabaab and protecting our people, they are using the military to intimidate political opponents and regional administrations,” said Mukhtar.
There has been no immediate response from the Federal Government to the accusations. However, security officials have previously claimed that operations in Beled-Hawo were aimed at restoring order and upholding constitutional authority, not targeting any specific group.
The latest escalation comes amid broader national efforts to finalize security sector reforms and federalization plans, but continued political fragmentation threatens to undermine these initiatives.
Analysts warn that without meaningful dialogue and coordination between the federal and state governments, Somalia risks weakening its fight against terrorism and reversing recent security gains.
Beled-Hawo remains tense, with local elders calling for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of neutral peace monitors to de-escalate the situation.