- Mandera governor Mohamed Adan Khalif accused Jubaland security forces of crossing Kenya and camping at BP1 primary school, forcing his closure
- The governor warned that the invasion threatened to undermine cross -border communities, to disrupt lessons for students preparing for national examinations
- He claimed Kenyan security forces support Jubaland forces, wanting to withdraw immediately or internal action if the situation continues
- Mandera Women’s Representative Umulkheir Kassim supported Khalif, saying the Kenyan authorities should not be affected by foreign -backed militias
Mandera governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has accused Jubaland’s security forces of crossing Kenya and setting up a military camp within his county.
Source: Facebook
The county boss warned that their presence could endanger border communities and undermine national independence.
Speaking on Friday, August 29, at the launch of the blood cleanup center and the laying of the new Kingdom Clinic at Mandera County Training and Appeal Hospital, the governor said that Jubaland forces allegedly captured the BP1 primary school in Mandera in the city, forcing his closure.
“We want to ask the Hon, the President of the Republic of Kenya, who is also the Commander -in -Chief. Mandera cannot be turned into a battlefield for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia. Our only intention to Somalia is peace,” Khalif said.
According to the governor, students preparing for national examinations have been forced to leave the school and thus disrupt their education.
“BP1 primary school is now closed, while students are expected to take exams next month. How can a public school be completely closed and turned into a military training camp? It is unacceptable,” he added.
Who are the Jubaland forces?
Jubaland’s forces, also known as Jubaland Darawiish, are the government’s security unit of Jubaland based in Kismayo, Somalia.
Formed from the Ras Kamboni movement led by Ahmed Mohamed Islam, well-known as Madobe, the group has been acting as an anti-terrorism against Al-Shabaab and as a regional army that promotes Jubaland’s political independence.
The forces are often in the middle of the conflict between Jubaland and the Somali federal government, and fighting is constantly sparking over the control of the area and resources.
Khalif warned that unless the forces were removed immediately, his administration and local communities would have to take action.
He also accused Kenyan Defense Force (KDF) for supporting Jubaland units, calling on Defense Minister Roselinda Soipan Tuya and his ministry to intervene.
“So we say, there must be an immediate transfer of Jubaland forces from Mandera. Once this is not done, we will take action on our own. Khalif announced.
He also called on Ethiopia to avoid using Mandera as a field to develop its relationship with Somalia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa0cno-0r88
What interest does Kenya have with Somalia?
Mandera Women’s Representative Umulkheir Kassim supported the governor, saying the Kenyan authorities should not be affected.
The MP condemned the school being transformed into what he referred to as the militia training field.
“Kenya is a free country that has always managed peace, tranquility and mutual respect for its neighbors, and therefore cannot allow groups of foreign -backed militias to destroy our borders or disrupt the lives of innocent civilians,” Kassim said.
He noted that the presence of Jubaland fighters has already sparked fears and migration of families in Mandera, with women and children having a bigger impact.
Source: Facebook
Kassim emphasized that Kenya’s position is still in promoting peace in Somalia, and not supporting divisions.
Did the Somali troops crossed into Kenya?
As previously reported, approximately 600 Somali national troops were arrested in Kenya after fleeing clashes with Jubaland forces in Ras Kamboni, near the Kenyan and Somali border.
The troops crossed to Ishikani, Lamu County, where they surrendered their weapons to Kenyan security forces.
Internal Secretary -General Raymond Omollo confirmed that the soldiers are in custody of KDFsupported by the national intelligence service, and said plans continue to bring them home.
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