By Horn Africa News
Beled-Hawo — A mass civilian uprising erupted Thursday in Beled-Hawo, a strategic town in Somalia’s Gedo region, as residents rallied against what they called unlawful interference by Ethiopian troops in the region’s internal political and security affairs.
Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets, chanting slogans condemning the presence of Ethiopian forces and accusing them of violating Somalia’s sovereignty. The protest comes just days after Somali federal forces regained control of Beled-Hawo, a long-disputed town near the Ethiopian border.
Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of all Ethiopian troops from the Gedo region and accused them of issuing provocative threats toward Somali federal troops stationed in the area. Tensions escalated sharply this week after Ethiopian military officials allegedly issued a three-day ultimatum demanding Somali forces vacate Beled-Hawo — a move that has triggered widespread anger among local communities.
The unrest follows similar protests held Wednesday in Doolow, another town in Gedo, where residents also expressed frustration over what they described as persistent Ethiopian interference in Somali affairs.
Regional governor Abdullahi Shimbir, a key federal government ally, stated that Ethiopian troops summoned local elders earlier this week and issued direct orders targeting federal forces currently based at a British military facility in Beled-Hawo. These troops had only recently regained the town following a prolonged standoff with Jubbaland-affiliated militias loyal to regional leader Ahmed Madobe.
Governor Shimbir further alleged that Ethiopian forces have repeatedly attempted to provoke confrontations with Somali government troops, heightening fears of a wider escalation.
The situation deteriorated further when Ethiopian forces reportedly attacked a National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) base in Doolow, destroying the compound and detaining its commanding officer. The federal government in Mogadishu has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The Gedo region remains volatile, as Somali government forces led by General Abdirashid Janan now maintain full control of Beled-Hawo — a significant shift in a region that has been contested by Jubbaland forces for several years.
Observers say the crisis could strain relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, two nations with a complex and often uneasy history. Neighboring countries are watching developments closely, many voicing support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, while calling for regional stability and non-interference in domestic matters.
