Hiiraan Online Today from Hiiraan Online: Somali Music Google Plus advertisements Jubbaland regional state links Gedo conflict to Nile river dispute, accuses federal government of destabilization efforts FacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Friday August 8, 2025 Beled Hawo (HOL) – Jubbaland regional administration has alleged that the recent escalation of conflict in Somalia’s Gedo region is fueled by external geopolitical agendas, specifically tied to the Nile River dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt. In a statement issued by Jubbaland’s Ministry of Internal Security, the administration accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of deliberately dividing the Somali National Army in Gedo to weaken the federal “Jubbaland strongly believes that the new military offensive in Gedo carries hidden external agendas, particularly related to the Nile River dispute, dragging Somalia into a conflict that does not concern it,” the statement read. Political analysts have recently warned that the presence of Egyptian troops—expected to join the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in the coming months—alongside existing Ethiopian forces could ignite a broader conflict unless the Somali federal government establishes a clear national strategy. Ethiopia and Egypt remain at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), raising concerns that their rivalry could spill into Jubbaland also alleged that President Hassan Sheikh deployed former regional security chief Abdirashid Janan—now aligned with the federal government—to Gedo to lead operations against Jubbaland forces. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the border town of Beled Hawo following reports that Ethiopian military officers operating in Gedo ordered Somali federal forces under Janan’s command to vacate the area. The directive has sparked widespread protests and accusations of sovereignty violations. Hundreds of residents took to the streets on Thursday, voicing support for Somali federal troops and rejecting foreign interference. “We reject any foreign directive that undermines our right to self-governance,” said one protester, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The national army is here to protect us. This is our town, and no outsider should dictate our security.” These developments have further strained relations between Mogadishu and the Kismayo-based Jubbaland administration, which has appealed to the international community to urgently intervene and hold the Somali federal government accountable for the escalating tensions. Federal forces recently captured Beled Hawo from Jubbaland troops following intense clashes. The federal government has accused Jubbaland of instigating the violence and has since suspended federal services in parts of the Gedo region. Jubbaland has denied any wrongdoing and reiterated that the people of Gedo should not be forced to endure a conflict rooted in political manipulation. The administration warned against further actions aimed at destabilizing the federal structure of governance in Somalia. Opinion| Privacy Policy|Sports|Somali Music|Somali Map All Rights Reserved Copyright. © 1999-2025, www.hiiraan.com