KISMAYO, Somalia – The security ministry of Jubaland state released a statement on Saturday, accusing the Somali Federal government of hindering the ongoing war on Al-Shabaab in the Lower Juba region as the country aims to hold its first democratic election in a half-century.
In the statement obtained by HornLife, the ministry said the government in Mogadishu ordered the national army to pull out the frontlines against Al-Shabaab in the region, a move that could give the militants to chance to recapture its former strongholds.
Jubaland State Security Ministry warned about the consequences that could result from the government’s decision which comes as Al-Shabaab poses a threat to the security of the country amid plans for the current AU troops to hand over security responsibility to the Somali army before their exit in December 2024.
Al-Shabaab controls the entire Middle Juba region and parts of Lower Juba, where Somali army and regional forces were carrying out joint operations in the past few months in attempt to liberate areas around Kismayo from the militants.
The Somali government has not yet commented on the Jubaland accusation that emerged amid political fallout between Ahmed Madobe and Hassan Sheikh, who are in a deadlock over the electoral process and constitutional amendment.
HORN LIFE
