Tuesday July 22, 2025
Former Jubbaland security minister Abdirashid Janan (center, in sunglasses and civilian attire) poses with regional troops shortly after arriving in Beled-Hawo on a military helicopter amid renewed clashes between Jubbaland forces and Somali federal troops. Janan, who once evaded federal custody, is now reportedly playing a leading role in the counteroffensive.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Internal Security described the assault as “a deliberate attempt to destabilize constitutional order and national sovereignty,” blaming militias loyal to Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe. The government warned that those responsible would face legal consequences, adding that the use of force to alter the political status of federal territory would not be tolerated.
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“The Ministry of Internal Security strongly condemns the criminal act allegedly committed by Ahmed Mohamed Islam, in which armed militias under his command launched a deliberate assault on public service buildings and Somali National Army installations,” the statement read. “This act took place while residents were going about their daily lives, reflecting a blatant disregard for civilian safety and national stability.”Fighting erupted early Tuesday morning as Jubbaland troops reportedly overran Somali National Army (SNA) positions in Beled-Hawo, seizing what local officials described as “key installations.” Jubbaland has claimed responsibility for the operation, framing it as a strategic response to federal interference in regional affairs.
In a counterstatement, Jubbaland officials accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his forces of launching “an unjustified attack on the peace-loving residents of Beled-Hawo.” They said that Jubbaland forces stationed in the area “defended against militias acting under the direct command of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his group.”
“Beled-Hawo is now under the full control of Jubbaland forces,” the statement continued. “Some of the attacking militias have surrendered, while others fled. Jubbaland troops are pursuing the escapees. Abdirashid Janan, who arrived this morning on a military flight, is among those leading the operation.”
Residents reported heavy gunfire and widespread displacement. Shops and schools were shuttered, and humanitarian access remains limited amid fears of renewed violence.
At the center of the latest escalation is the reappearance of Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubbaland security minister who was previously detained by the federal government but escaped custody in 2020. Janan, who has faced accusations of human rights violations, is now reportedly stationed at a federal military base in Beled-Hawo known locally as the “UK camp,” where he is said to be serving in a senior position within the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
Jubbaland authorities accuse the federal government of harbouring Janan to weaken regional autonomy. They have publicly vowed to dismantle the SNA base hosting him, arguing that it undermines legitimate local governance.
The federal government has not confirmed Janan’s appointment, but his presence has reignited political disputes and drawn concern from civil society actors and international observers. Critics say his return risks derailing ongoing stabilization efforts and deepens mistrust between Mogadishu and Jubbaland.
The Gedo region has long been a flashpoint in Somalia’s federalism debate, with competing claims over security and administration. Beled-Hawo, located near the Kenyan border, has witnessed repeated clashes since 2019, particularly during election cycles and periods of political transition.
The Ministry expressed condolences to those affected by the violence, stating: “We extend our sympathies to the citizens harmed by this attack and reaffirm the government’s commitment to justice for all victims of such crimes.”
Efforts by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners to mediate between the federal and Jubbaland governments have largely stalled, despite repeated calls for dialogue.
The ministry also issued a warning to the militias involved in the attack: “The government sends a clear message to the militias misused by the accused Ahmed Madobe: Anyone participating in these criminal conspiracies will be held accountable under the law.”
As of publication, neither the Office of the Prime Minister nor the Jubbaland presidency has issued an official response. International actors, meanwhile, continue to urge both sides to de-escalate, prioritize civilian protection, and resolve disputes through constitutional channels.