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.

The post Interview: Doolow DC Accuses Federal Government of Fueling Insecurity in Gedo Region appeared first on Kaab TV.

On 3 June, Jubbaland TV reported that representatives from the Somali Ministry of Information in Mogadishu had “looted” their equipment, including “cameras, computers, and office supplies”, which were essential for the operation of their studio in Mogadishu.

A journalist working for the station told SJS that during the raid, the Jubbaland TV office was unlawfully taken over. Jubbaland TV, which is owned by the Jubaland state, had operated an office and studio within the premises of the Federal Ministry of Information in Mogadishu.

Since October 2024, a deepening constitutional and territorial conflict between Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal government has escalated—from political opposition to electoral disputes, legal warfare, and eventually armed conflict that broke out in December. The dispute has also resulted in the suspension of flights to several towns in Jubbaland.

On Friday, 6 June, Puntland State Police in Galkayo arrested Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Director of Radio Galkayo, and Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf, a freelance cameraman. The pair were at Awale Football Stadium, where local authorities and members of the public had gathered for Eid-ul-Adha prayers.

Mohamed Abdul Aziz told SJS that he had gone to perform the prayers but was also aware that a group of local youth—previously featured in Radio Galkayo reports—were planning a protest against the city authorities. According to media sources, three of the youth involved in the planned protest were also arrested by police.

Mohamed Abdul Aziz told SJS that he received a phone call from Mudug Police Commissioner Mohamud Abdihakim shortly before his arrest. The commissioner warned him that Radio Galkayo should stop discussing the youth protests. In recent weeks, Radio Galkayo has been at the forefront of covering and discussing the youth-led protests.

Later that day, during a press conference, the Governor of Mudug Region in Puntland, Faysal Sheikh Ali, accused the youth of planning to stage a protest “organized without official permission.” He claimed they had a microphone mounted on a vehicle and had printed “slogans criticizing the city authorities.”

Radio Galkayo—a community-owned station and one of the longest-serving radio outlets in Puntland—condemned the arrests of the youth and journalists as “illegal.”  Since mid May 2025, youth in Galkayo have been organizing both online and offline protests demanding improved sanitation, a functional drainage system (as rains have blocked roads), the construction of Galkayo Airport, and the depoliticization of the Galkayo-Xarfo road, which remains suspended due to a dispute between Puntland state and the Somali federal authorities.

The two journalists were released on Saturday after spending a night at the Galkayo North Police Station, Mohamed Abdul Aziz confirmed to SJS.

“The Somali Journalists Syndicate strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of Radio Galkayo director Mohamed Abdul Aziz and freelance cameraman Ahmed Abdiqani Yusuf in Galkayo, as well as the unlawful raid and looting of Jubbaland TV’s studio in Mogadishu by officials from the Ministry of Information,” said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary-General of SJS.

“These actions are not only illegal and abusive but are a clear attempt to intimidate independent media and silence critical reporting. We call on both Puntland authorities and the federal government to immediately end the harassment of journalists, return the confiscated equipment, and respect press freedom as guaranteed by Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and international obligations,” Mr. Mumin added.

The post Galkayo Police Arrest 2 Journalists; Somali Ministry of Information Officials raid and Loot Jubbaland State TV Equipment in Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.

But what are clan elders doing to find solutions to this problem? And what role should the youth themselves play in addressing this pressing social issue?

These were among the key topics discussed during the Baraarug Listening Forum held in Kismayo, Jubaland.

The post Clan Conflicts, Extremism, and Migration: Challenges Facing Somali Youth appeared first on Kaab TV.