DOOLOW, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The District Commissioner of Doolow town, Mohamed Hussein Abdi—widely known as “Lafey”—has accused the Somali Federal Government of provoking instability and deepening conflict in the Gedo region.
In an exclusive interview with Kaab TV, Commissioner Lafey said federal forces are attempting to challenge Jubbaland’s authority in the region, risking renewed violence in previously peaceful areas like Doolow.
“Doolow has enjoyed years of relative peace, but the federal government’s interference is now creating serious security threats,” said Lafey.
Tensions escalated last week when the federal government dismissed Doolow’s local security leadership, prompting those officials to join Jubbaland state forces.
The move has led to a standoff between federal troops and Jubbaland-aligned forces, both maneuvering around the town.
Located in southern Gedo on the Somalia-Ethiopia border, Doolow is a strategically vital hub for humanitarian operations.
It hosts several UN agencies and, as of April 2024, sheltered more than 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Thousands more have crossed into Ethiopia, seeking refuge in the Melkadida camp in Dollo Ado.
“The ongoing political rift between Jubbaland and the federal government is compromising the security of Doolow,” said Commissioner Lafey, warning that Mogadishu is attempting to detach Gedo from Jubbaland and create a parallel administration.
“Such moves will only inflame further conflict in the region.”
Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat
Doolow is notable for being the only town in Gedo that has never fallen under the control of the militant group Al-Shabaab, although the group has repeatedly carried out deadly attacks there.
Lafey warned that Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat, especially in rural areas, and blamed the federal government for exploiting insecurity in places like Garbaharey, the capital of Gedo.
“We know what’s happening in Garbaharey,” he said. “There is no development for the people, and the government is trying to take advantage of that.”
The commissioner also criticized the federal government’s military campaign in Raaskambooni late last year, where federal forces clashed with Jubbaland troops near the Kenyan border.
The offensive ended in a setback for the federal government, with many of its troops captured or surrendering to Kenyan authorities in what is believed to be the largest troop surrender in Somali history.
“The fighting in Raaskambooni could have been avoided,” Lafey lamented. “Somali youths lost their lives, and to this day, no side can claim victory.”
Commissioner Lafey urged leaders in Mogadishu to prioritize dialogue over division and warned that continued interference in Gedo’s affairs would only empower extremist groups and further destabilize the region.