United States has reproached Somali Federal Government (FGS) over the recent deployment of hundreds of troops to Gedo region terming FGS move as unacceptable.
While addressing UN Security Council on Feb. 24., political coordinator of the U.S. mission to the UN, Rodney Hunter, echoed the same sentiments and noted that the massive deployment by FGS diverts vital resources meant to fight against the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Al-Shabaab.
Hunter reiterated that FGS move in Gedo region of Jubbaland is politically motivated and is unacceptable as it diverts resources from the agreed roadmap for security operations aimed at combating Al-Shabaab.
U.S. which has been an ally of FGS in the war against Al-Shabaab for the first-time condemned President Farmajo’s recent developments in Gedo where his government early this month deployed at least 700 Turkish-trained SNA troops to wrest control of the region from the Jubbaland regional states.
The situation in Gedo remains fragile and has prompted hundreds of locals fleeing fearing for possible clashes between Jubbaland forces and SNA.
Jubbaland administration condemned the deployment as an invasion by FGS while and an avenue Farmajo’s administration seeks to meddle in regional politics besides a claim that Farmajo is keen on imposing loyalists ahead of December polls.
Mogadishu has maintained that it the prerogative of FGS to defend Somalia’s borders. Mogadishu has been at loggerheads with Jubbaland and its increased SNA presence in the western state has raised concerns.
Its noteworthy that the recent deployments in Gedo have increased tensions and confrontations, an avenue that could be exploited by Al-Shabaab.
Meanwhile, the UN envoy to Somalia James Swan, who briefed the Security Council on the situation in Somalia, also expressed concern regarding the Gedo deployment. He underscored that it is critical that the FGS clarify its operational priorities and generates the necessary forces to enable operations to degrade Al-Shabaab besides defend recently recovered areas and reopen main supply routes.
