Mandera, Kenya – Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has voiced serious concerns over the presence of Jubbaland regional forces inside Mandera County, warning that the development poses a security risk and could escalate tensions along the Kenya–Somalia border.
According to county officials, heavily armed Jubbaland fighters have been sighted in several locations near the border towns of Mandera and Elwak in recent weeks. Residents say the troops have crossed into Kenyan territory under unclear circumstances, sparking fears of clashes with local security agencies and disruption of cross-border trade.
Governor Khalif said the presence of the foreign troops was not only unconstitutional but also a direct threat to the safety of Mandera residents. He urged the national government to urgently engage the Somali authorities in Kismayo and Mogadishu to clarify the matter and ensure the withdrawal of the Jubbaland forces.
“This is a violation of Kenya’s territorial integrity. The people of Mandera should not be caught in the middle of regional conflicts. We demand a clear response from Nairobi on how this issue will be resolved before it spirals out of control,” he stated.
Security experts note that Mandera, which borders Somalia and Ethiopia, has long been a volatile zone due to frequent Al-Shabaab incursions, inter-clan rivalries, and porous borders. The latest development adds a new layer of complexity to the county’s fragile security environment.
Local elders and civil society groups have also raised concerns, urging both the Kenyan and Somali governments to de-escalate the situation through dialogue rather than confrontation. They fear that continued military activity across the border could disrupt humanitarian access, education, and daily livelihoods in an already marginalized region.
Officials in Jubbaland have not issued a public statement regarding the alleged movement of their troops into Mandera. However, analysts suggest the deployment may be linked to ongoing power struggles in the Gedo region of Somalia, which has historically spilled over into northeastern Kenya.
Governor Khalif has pledged to continue raising the alarm until the national government provides a comprehensive plan to safeguard Mandera residents and restore calm.