MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In an interview with Kaab TV in Mogadishu, Gedo Governor Abdullahi Abdi Jama voiced grave concerns over the potential security ramifications should Ethiopian forces withdraw from the Gedo region without a viable alternative in place.
Governor Abdullahi highlighted the precarious situation, noting that while the Gedo regional administration maintains control over urban areas, vast rural areas, where the majority of the population resides, are firmly under the grip of Al-Shabaab militants.
“The reality is, as you know, we are confined to the cities, while the outskirts and vast portions of the land are under the control of Al-Shabaab,” the governor said. “This is the stark truth of Somalia’s current situation. Ethiopian forces currently provide security, and the local population fears what may happen if they withdraw without a suitable alternative in place.”
He emphasized that this predicament mirrors the challenges faced by other regional states in southern and central Somalia, where local authorities are confined to heavily fortified cities.
Expressing dismay over the lack of alternative security measures from both the Jubbaland administration and the federal government, Governor Abdullahi revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu are underway to address these pressing issues.
“I have traveled to Mogadishu to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Defense, and the Commander of the Forces is also here to address this pressing issue,” Governor Abdullahi said.
These concerns come amid calls from Jubbaland Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan to postpone the planned withdrawal of African Union forces to prevent a security vacuum in the region.
Disagreements over diaspora community funding
Compounding the security woes, Gedo region has recently been devastated by floods, severing transportation routes and isolating towns.
Despite these challenges, Governor Abdullahi lamented a lack of support from the diaspora community, citing disagreements over project implementation and funding distribution.
“The diaspora community has made it clear that if their projects cannot be implemented according to their terms, they will redirect their funds to Palestine in Gaza. This presents a challenge as it implies an ultimatum: either their way or no way.”
While corruption remains a persistent issue, diaspora representatives remain adamant that developmental projects should not be entrusted to local authorities.
The future security and stability of Gedo region hang in the balance as stakeholders grapple with the complexities of governance, security, and disaster recovery in the face of mounting challenges.