eNews Channel Africa
Monday, May 27, 2013
KISMAYO, Somalia - Tensions are rising over events at the Somali port city of Kismayo where Kenyan troops liberated the town from al-Shabaab militants.
The Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, accused the troops of misbehaving and supporting secession.
Kenyan troops drove out al-Shabaab from Kismayo last September in a daring night-time assault on the city, and were assisted by Somali fighters, with their biggest support coming from a local militia called Ras Komboni.
Almost eight months on, those same Kenyan soldiers find themselves in a difficult position.
Last week, a conference voted in militia leader Ahmed Madobe as president of Jubaland which was meant to be an independent state, including southern Somalia and Kismayo, similar to the semi-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland.
However since the conference, five more people have staked their claims to rule the supposed new state, and many Somalis condemned the formation of Jubaland, calling it unconstitutional.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's criticised Kenya's involvement in the matter saying that the troops in Kismayo were operating outside their mandate, and accused them of supporting Ahmed Madobe's presidency.
Kenya's army responded, saying those allegations were in bad taste and regional groups were calling for a reconciliation conference.
This spat could mean far-reaching consequences for Somalia, and could detract investors to a country busy recovering from decades of war.
At worst, it could see the Somali government demanding a withdrawal of AMISOM's troops.
Source: enca.com