Heavy fighting erupted between Somali Federal Government forces and Jubbaland troops near Raas Kambooni in Lower Jubba. The clashes, involving artillery and small arms fire, mark an escalation in tensions over authority in the region.
Intense fighting broke out early Tuesday between Somali Federal Government forces and troops from the Jubbaland administration near Raas Kambooni, a strategically vital town in the Lower Jubba region. The clashes, which took place in the Manaraani area approximately 30 kilometers from Raas Kambooni, involved heavy artillery and gunfire, leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties on both sides.
Jubbaland officials have accused federal forces of instigating the confrontation. In a statement, the Jubbaland administration claimed its troops inflicted “substantial losses” on forces airlifted from Mogadishu and recaptured defensive positions near Raas Kambooni. The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal response to these accusations.
Raas Kambooni’s location near the Kenyan border and its access to key Indian Ocean trade routes make it a critical flashpoint in the ongoing struggle between Somalia’s central government and semi-autonomous Jubbaland. Tensions have been building since the Federal Government deployed reinforcements to the region, which Jubbaland views as an attempt to undermine its autonomy.
This confrontation also highlights a broader political struggle linked to disputed electoral processes. The Somali Federal Government advocates for a “one-person, one-vote” system to unify the country’s elections, while Jubbaland and Puntland argue that current security and economic challenges make such elections unfeasible. Jubbaland has held its own elections, suggesting 2026 as a more practical timeline for national polls, a stance rejected by Mogadishu.
Federal authorities have reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe, further fueling tensions. The deployment of troops by both sides to Raas Kambooni escalated into armed conflict, reflecting the fragility of Somalia’s federal system and the ongoing challenges to centralized authority.
Residents in the Manaraani area have reported an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty as the violence continues, with concerns over further escalation in the days ahead.