Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a strongly-worded statement directly accusing Jubbaland’s Vice President, Mohamud Sayid Aden, of inciting violence in the contested Gedo region.
Branding him a “spoiler threatening national stability,” the government said Sayid’s actions risk reigniting tensions in an already fragile area.
In the statement released late Wednesday, federal authorities warned that any attempts to provoke armed confrontation would be met with firm consequences.
“We will hold all responsible accountable for any new conflict,” the statement read, reaffirming Mogadishu’s determination to maintain order and unity.
The Ministry of Internal Security confirmed that federal troops remain stationed in Gedo to “safeguard stability and protect civilians.” However, it stopped short of addressing mounting speculation around possible cross-border involvement by neighboring military forces from Ethiopia and Kenya.
The diplomatic silence on regional military activity has fueled uncertainty, especially given the historically complex dynamics between Jubbaland, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Nairobi and Addis Ababa have previously maintained strategic interests in southern Somalia, raising concerns over potential interference.
Meanwhile, officials in Kismayo, the de facto capital of Jubbaland State, have yet to issue any response. The silence from Jubbaland’s leadership, coupled with the central government’s stern tone, signals escalating tensions with the potential to fracture ongoing stabilization efforts.
Gedo, a border region long plagued by political rivalry and contested control between Jubbaland authorities and the federal government, has frequently been a flashpoint. Past clashes have involved local militias, federal troops, and regional actors, with civilians often bearing the brunt.
This latest warning from Mogadishu appears aimed at curbing renewed destabilization, just as the country is navigating critical national security reforms and an evolving federal-state relationship.
Observers warn that unless de-escalation mechanisms are immediately activated—through mediation or direct dialogue—the standoff could trigger a wider political and military fallout.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to preserving territorial integrity and ensuring peace, stating, “Our national army will remain in Gedo, and Somalia will not tolerate threats to its unity.”
As of Thursday morning, no international partners had commented publicly on the crisis.