Opposition parties have called for the withdrawal of Somali National Army (SNA) troops from Ras Kamboni, the rescinding of the arrest warrant for Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe, and the de-escalation of tensions underscores growing political and military tensions in the country.
These demands the opposition parties made on Friday suggest concerns about federal-state relations, particularly between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Jubbaland administration.
The presence of SNA troops in Ras Kamboni, a strategic town near the Kenya-Somalia border, has raised fears of escalating conflict.
Opposition figures view this as an attempt to exert federal authority over Jubbaland, potentially destabilizing the region.
The arrest warrant for Ahmed Madobe, a key regional leader, is seen as a politically charged move considering that he has been a critical figure in Jubbaland’s fight against al-Shabab and has a history of contentious relations with the FGS.
Opposition leaders argue that rescinding the warrant is necessary for dialogue and reconciliation.
The opposition’s emphasis on de-escalation reflects fears that continued federal-regional disputes could distract from critical national priorities, such as counterterrorism operations and state-building efforts.
The tensions highlight ongoing struggles to balance federal and state powers under Somalia’s federal system. Jubbaland, like Puntland, has often resisted what it perceives as federal overreach.
Prolonged instability in Jubbaland could hinder efforts to combat al-Shabab, given the region’s importance in counterterrorism operations.
Jubbaland’s proximity to Kenya adds a regional dimension to the conflict, as Kenya has historically supported Madobe’s administration, viewing it as a buffer against cross-border threats.
Efforts to address these tensions will require mediated dialogue between the FGS, Jubbaland, and other stakeholders, with the involvement of neutral entities such as regional organizations or international partners to ensure a peaceful resolution.