KISMAYO (Kaab TV) – In the aftermath of the Raaskaambooni conflict, where Jubbaland forces decisively defeated Somali federal government troops, residents of Kismayo have shown strong support for Jubbaland’s leadership.
Speaking to Kaab TV, locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the federal government forces, blaming them for the catastrophic loss in Raaskaambooni.
This followed weeks of military and police deployment aimed at undermining Jubbaland’s leadership.
Abdiqadir Mohamed Abdi, a youth leader in Kismayo, described the incident as a failure.
“The responsibility lies squarely on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. There must be accountability for those killed and injured,” he said.
Falhado Abdullahi Mohamed, another resident, criticized the federal government’s decision to deploy forces.
“The incident was the result of a misguided strategy. The federal government must own up to its mistake. Forces from Mogadishu were sent into an unfamiliar region, leading to this disaster,” she noted.
Falhado called for unity between Somali leaders to focus on combating Al-Shabaab rather than internal conflicts.
“Both Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should acknowledge their misstep and prioritize national security.”
Locals commended Jubbaland’s leadership for maintaining stability during the turmoil. They highlighted how the region’s residents stood firm with Jubbaland’s administration to protect the area from external threats, including Al-Shabaab, which has historically targeted the region.
Ibrahim Hefow, another young man in Kismayo, termed the Raaskaambooni conflict a “national disaster.”
“The deployment of forces from Mogadishu to topple President Ahmed Madobe’s leadership was illegitimate and unfortunate,” he remarked.
The clash on Wednesday, December 11, resulted in a humiliating defeat for federal government forces. Jubbaland captured over 300 soldiers, while more than 1,100 fled across the border into Kenya, surrendering to Kenyan Defense Forces.
Unofficial reports estimate that dozens of soldiers were killed during the four-hour battle.
Military sources revealed that some troops, primarily those from Villa Somalia’s presidential guard, are still unaccounted for.
There are concerns that some may have surrendered to Al-Shabaab after becoming lost in Raaskaambooni’s dense jungles, much of which is under militant control.
As tensions persist, the Somali federal government and Jubbaland leadership remain at odds over the Raaskaambooni incident, with no resolution in sight.