By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – Somali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali Omar, popularly known as Caano Nuug, has strongly criticized the Federal Government of Somalia, holding it responsible for the recent outbreak of fighting in the Gedo region, particularly in the contested town of Beled-Hawo.
In an exclusive interview with Shabelle TV, MP Caano Nuug condemned the government for what he described as “deliberately igniting conflict and chaos” in an area that had previously enjoyed relative peace. He expressed deep concern over the fact that Somali National Army (SNA) forces were turning their weapons on one another at a time when national unity and defense against external threats are more critical than ever.
“It is a great misfortune that Somali troops are fighting each other in a peaceful region. The federal government bears full responsibility because it created this situation,” MP Caano Nuug said during the televised interview.
The parliamentarian’s remarks come amid escalating violence in Beled-Hawo, located in Gedo region near the Kenya-Somalia border. Over the past few days, heavy fighting has broken out between troops loyal to the federal government and those aligned with the Jubbaland regional administration.
Local residents have been caught in the crossfire, prompting widespread fear and displacement. Community leaders and civil society groups are now calling for an urgent political solution to end the bloodshed and prevent further division among Somali security forces.
The renewed hostilities have once again highlighted the fragile relationship between the federal government in Mogadishu and regional administrations like Jubbaland. Tensions over authority, territorial control, and command of security forces have been at the heart of recurring conflicts in southern Somalia.
Analysts warn that continued infighting among Somali forces undermines ongoing efforts to stabilize the country and combat the persistent threat posed by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
