Ethiopian Forces detained six alleged SNA soldiers at Dolow airport in Gedo region, Somalia, upon their arrival from Mogadishu, reportedly in civilian clothing. The arrests may connect to disputes over indirect elections in Jubaland amid federal government opposition. Jubaland is proceeding with its electoral process against the backdrop of increasing security measures and regional political tensions.
Ethiopian Forces have detained six individuals believed to be Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers at Dolow airport in the Gedo region, as confirmed by multiple sources on Tuesday. The detainment occurred upon their arrival from Mogadishu, where they reportedly arrived in civilian clothing. The motivations for their arrest remain ambiguous, though local reports suggest it may be connected to the ongoing disputes regarding the indirect elections in Kismayo, which is the temporary capital of Jubaland. Further complicating the situation, Jubaland’s authorities had recently escalated security measures at Kismayo Airport due to speculations regarding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s alleged plans to dispatch elite forces to the region, ostensibly to impede the electoral processes. Despite the federal government’s preferences for a universal suffrage electoral model, Jubaland is moving forward with its planned indirect elections. President Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland contends that the federal government’s interference may undermine legal term limits. In recent developments, Jubaland has commenced the selection of lawmakers responsible for electing the regional president. Ethiopia, which has recently altered its stance to support Jubaland after a historically tumultuous relationship, may play a significant role in the regional power dynamics. With an anticipated plan for Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Somalia by December 2024, following a contentious sea access agreement with Somaliland, the future involvement of foreign troops in Somali affairs remains uncertain. Additionally, Somalia currently advocates for the leadership of Egyptian forces to replace Ethiopian troops in the AU stabilization efforts following a defense agreement between Cairo and Mogadishu.
The situation in Somalia, particularly concerning the federal government and regional states, is marked by political strife surrounding election processes. Jubaland has opted to pursue indirect elections in defiance of the federal government’s push for universal suffrage. The recent detention of soldiers by Ethiopian Forces highlights the ongoing tensions and the complexities involving regional autonomy and external military presence. Ethiopia’s shift in allegiance towards Jubaland signifies shifts in alliances and the potential for new power dynamics as Somalia seeks stability amidst security challenges, especially with the looming presence of the Al-Shabaab militant group.
In summary, the detainment of alleged SNA soldiers by Ethiopian Forces raises significant concerns regarding the autonomy of Jubaland and the complexities of Somali federal governance. The evolving political landscape signals a departure from traditional alliances, with both Jubaland and Ethiopia taking steps that may redefine power structures in the region while international military support remains a contentious issue.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
