Friday April 25, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Lawmakers from Somalia’s federal parliament representing Jubbaland have accused the federal government of launching an illegal military campaign in the Gedo region, warning that the offensive threatens to destabilize the area and violates the country’s provisional constitution.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued Thursday, 32 legislators condemned the deployment of federal troops to Beled-Hawo district, calling it an “unprovoked military offensive targeting the people of Jubbaland” and “triggering fear and displacement among civilians.”
“The federal government’s use of military power in peaceful areas of Jubbaland is an unjustified provocation,” the lawmakers said. “This campaign undermines regional stability and disrespects the federal system.”
The MPs urged the Somali Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army’s leadership to immediately halt the operation and withdraw forces from Beled-Hawo. They alleged that high-level officials, including ministers and army commanders, were behind the push to assert direct control over the region.
They also condemned the federal government’s appointment of what they described as unconstitutional and unrepresentative committees to oversee regional affairs in Gedo, warning that such moves could trigger new waves of unrest.
Beyond military concerns, the lawmakers accused the federal government of politicizing humanitarian aid by withholding international relief from areas aligned with Jubbaland. They described this as a form of collective punishment that not only violates Somalia’s federal charter but also sets a dangerous precedent.
“Punishing entire communities for their political alignment is both unconstitutional and morally indefensible,” they said.
The MPs appealed to Somalia’s international partners to monitor the situation closely and pressure the federal government to adhere to constitutional norms. They warned that unchecked federal actions could fracture national cohesion and derail stabilization efforts.
“We urge Somalia’s allies to uphold the federal order and prevent the abuse of national institutions for political gain,” the statement read.
The Gedo region, particularly Beled-Hawo, has been at the heart of a long-standing dispute between the federal government and the Jubbaland administration. Repeated clashes, overlapping claims of authority, and disagreements over security coordination have strained relations for years.
Thursday’s statement marks an escalation in the rhetoric from Jubbaland-aligned MPs and comes amid renewed troop movements by federal forces.
The statement was signed by 32 lawmakers, including high-profile figures such as Dr. Mursal Mohamed Khalif, MP Faadumo Farah Aadan, and Senator Maryan Farah Kaahiye.
“If these actions continue,” the lawmakers said, “the federal government will bear full responsibility for the consequences.”
