Thursday December 5, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali federal government has begun registering hundreds of soldiers from Jubbaland forces who recently integrated into the Somali National Army (SNA) in the Raskamboni area of Lower Juba.
The newly integrated soldiers are set to receive regular salaries, training, and promotions, enabling them to participate in military operations against al-Shabaab, according to military officials.
"I was one of the officers sent from Jubbaland to shoot their flag, but we refused. Our decision was not to shoot the Somali flag. I worked for Jubbaland for 14 years without rights," said Khadar Ali Ibrahim, one of the registered soldiers.
Recent footage showed over 200 Jubbaland forces aligning with the SNA, but Jubbaland's Information Minister, Abdifitaah Mohamed Mukhtar, denied any large-scale integration of Jubbaland forces into the federal military. He also criticized the federal government's motives, suggesting the troop deployments in Raskamboni were politically driven rather than focused on security objectives.
The developments highlight escalating tensions between Mogadishu and the Jubbaland administration, reflecting broader challenges in regional security and governance coordination.