The election took place on Wednesday, with 33 members of the Bosaso district council participating in the vote.

His only opponent, Abdullahi Artan, withdrew from the race just moments before the ballot was held.

Ali’s appointment follows the recent resignation of former mayor Abdifatah Mohamed Osman, who stepped down amid internal disputes and ongoing tensions within the Bosaso local council.

Known popularly as Jinac, the new mayor comes from the Mideeye opposition bloc and is expected to bring new leadership to Bosaso, which serves as Puntland’s economic lifeline and a major gateway through its strategic port.

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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.

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Speaking to Kaab TV, business owners at the beach say the once-bustling area has seen fewer visitors in recent days, impacting their income.

Liido Beach is one of the capital’s main recreational destinations, frequented by locals and members of the Somali diaspora.

It is home to a growing number of hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops that support local jobs and small businesses.

The downturn comes after both federal and regional authorities warned the public to avoid fishing or swimming in the ocean due to worsening weather conditions.

Residents living near the coast were also urged to remain on high alert.

Jubbaland authorities issued a public safety alert on May 10, advising: “The public is advised to stay indoors during the rain and to minimize vehicle movement.”

In Mogadishu, Kaab TV visited the usually lively Liido Beach—often filled with young revelers and booming nightlife. But now, it appears quieter, with several businesses reporting fewer customers.

“In the past two days, the beach was closed because it wasn’t safe for visitors. It has affected our business. You can understand how badly things have declined,” said Nimcaan Ahmed Muse, a small-scale business owner who has operated at the beach for two years.

Muse previously survived the deadly Al-Shabaab attack on Liido Beach in August 2024 that killed over 30 people.

Sahro Omar, who runs a tea stall near the beach, shared similar concerns. “Not many people are coming.

There’s even a new requirement now—swimmers must wear safety jackets,” she said, adding that recent drowning incidents have made people more cautious.

At least 20 people were recently rescued from drowning as rough waves pounded parts of the Indian Ocean.

The weather-related disruption comes as many businesses were still recovering from the effects of previous insecurity and attacks.

For now, those who depend on Liido Beach for their livelihood are hoping for calm seas—and a return of their customers.

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Military officials from South West State said the clash began at dawn when Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise attack on a military base in Baay Burjeed manned by regional troops.

The confrontation resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides.

In an official statement, the South West State government confirmed that its forces had repelled the attack and dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab.

The statement also noted that bodies believed to be those of Al-Shabaab fighters were brought to Baidoa after the fighting.

Officials also confirmed the loss of several South West State officers during the confrontation.

Following the attack, residents of Baidoa and regional security forces gathered in the city center to express their support and celebrate what they described as a military victory.

The assault reportedly began with explosions targeting the military outpost before an armed assault ensued.

Security forces said they repelled the attack, killing and wounding several of the attackers.

“The Council of Ministers praised the Armed Forces for defeating the surprise assault launched by the Khawarij Al-Shabaab on army and Darawish positions near Baidoa,” read a statement from the South West State presidency.

President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) later visited frontline troops in Baidoa to commend their efforts and encourage them to continue defending the region.

“We will hunt them down everywhere — in villages, towns, wherever they try to hide,” president Laftagareen declared.

Al-Shabaab, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the Somali government, the United Nations, and other international actors, has intensified its operations across southern and central Somalia in recent months.

The group has regained control over various areas in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Shabelle.

Despite ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab maintains control over many rural areas and key roads in South West State, restricting civilian travel.

However, reports from towns such as Xudur, Diinsoor, and Waajid suggest that the group has recently begun allowing public vehicles to use certain routes leading to Baidoa.

It remains unclear whether this shift is part of a broader strategy by Al-Shabaab to expand its influence and territorial control in southern and central Somalia.

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Statistics show that girls often face systemic disadvantages in education. According to data from 2022, only 28% of students enrolled in Somali schools were girls, leaving the majority, 72%, as boys.

Furthermore, literacy rates for adult women stood at less than 22%, compared to 54% for men.

Despite these challenges, the Gedo, a region marred by conflict, has recently shown progress in increasing girls’ enrollment in schools.

Girls now make up more than 40% of students in educational institutions in the region, a notable improvement.

In Balad Hawo district alone, over 12,000 students were enrolled in schools during the last academic year.

Of these, more than 5,500 were girls, accounting for 45% of the total enrollment, according to the Ministry of Education’s records.

Local Communities Push for Change

Some communities in Gedo are beginning to recognize the importance of educating girls. In Balad Amiin, a pastoral village about seven kilometers from the Kenyan border, a local primary and secondary school has seen a significant increase in female enrollment.

“Girls enrollment this year reached 367 out of 722 students,” said Ibrahim Kalil Ibrahim, deputy principal of the school. “This shows significant progress in girls’ education as the community has increasingly recognized its importance.”

Similar trends are evident in Balad Hawo Secondary School, the first government-run high school in the area.

The Balad Amiin school principal, Abdulna’em, noted a rise in the number of girls attending higher grades.

“In the past, girls were mostly in primary school classes, but now there’s a notable change,” he said.

However, he highlighted that financial barriers remain a challenge.

“When it comes to tuition fees, parents often prioritize boys, leaving many girls out of school even after they’ve started their education,” he added.

While progress is being made, educators report that cultural and economic challenges continue to hinder girls’ education in Somalia.

“Numerous challenges still hinder girls’ education, starting from the schools themselves,” said Abdiaziz Mubarak, head of research at Gedo University.

“In rural areas, when girls finish primary school, they cannot access secondary schools in towns because parents prioritize boys. Economic difficulties, cultural pressures, forced marriages, and traditional beliefs are also barriers,” Abdiaziz remarked.

Abdiaziz emphasized the importance of changing these perceptions.

“Some believe a girl who can read and write doesn’t need further education because her role is to marry and become a housewife. This mindset must change,” he added.

Advocates argue that ensuring equal access to education is essential for Somalia’s development.

They believe that educating girls is critical to rebuilding the nation after decades of conflict and instability.

“An educated mother is the cornerstone of an educated nation,” Abdiaziz said, underlining the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve societal progress.

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