In a recent announcement by the Ministry of Interior, Kenya plans to repatriate 600 Somali army soldiers following a recent setback in clashes with forces from the semi-autonomous state of Jubaland. The move follows the arrival of the Somali soldiers seeking refuge in Kenya after their defeat in Ras Kamboni.
Raymond Omollo, the chief of staff at the Kenyan Ministry of Interior, said the Somali soldiers have handed over their weapons and preparations are underway to facilitate their repatriation. The move comes after Jubaland forces successfully took control of the town of Ras Kamboni, forcing the Somali soldiers to seek protection across the border.
Tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo, the capital of Jubaland, have reached a critical level in recent weeks. The recent presidential elections in Jubaland, which were not recognized by the central Somali government, have fueled conflict between the two entities. The clashes in Ras Kamboni have exposed the fragilities of the Somali army, with hundreds of Turkish-trained special forces fleeing the battlefield and abandoning their equipment.
According to Rashid Abdi, a security expert at Sahan Research, this defeat raises concerns about the impact it could have on regional security, providing an opportunity for terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab to consolidate their influence. Moreover, the imminent end of the mandate of the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia raises concerns about the country’s ability to ensure its internal security.
In an already volatile regional context, this recent escalation of tensions in Somalia underscores the importance of swift and coordinated action to prevent a deterioration of the security situation. Somalia’s regional and international partners will need to redouble their efforts to support the country in its quest for stability and security, in order to avoid an escalation of the conflict and maintain peace in the region.