Jubbaland has officially addressed the recent violent incident that took place in Mandera border, Kenya, where a Kenyan police officer was killed and another injured following an attack by a group suspected to be members of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
On Friday, a clash occurred between five Kenyan police officers stationed along the border between Kenya and Somalia, and an armed group, estimated to be around 20 individuals, believed to be members of NISA.
The group opened fire on the officers, resulting in the death of Constable Dennis Omari and the injury of Wright Mokua. During the attack, two firearms were seized from the Kenyan police officers but were later returned to the Kenyan government the following day.
Jubbaland’s government has expressed deep regret over the incident, sending condolences to the government and people of Kenya. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. It was not something planned, and we extend our condolences to the Kenyan government and its people,” stated Mahamoud Sayid Aden, the First Vice President of Jubbaland, during a press briefing.
In his statement, Mahamoud linked the attack to internal political tensions within Somalia, claiming that the assault was orchestrated by Somali politicians with personal agendas.
“There is always a reason behind these events. The internal disagreements within the Somali government, which are often exacerbated by self-serving politicians, are at the root of these incidents,” he explained. He further highlighted that the blockage of the Beledhawo district administration, which was constitutionally appointed, contributed to the conflict.
Furthermore, Mahamoud called for calm and restraint on both sides of the border. He urged the Kenyan government to address the situation and avoid punishing innocent civilians residing in border towns, particularly in Beledhawo and Mandera.
“To our Kenyan brothers and sisters, we request that they protect the rights of the innocent people living in Beledhawo or Mandera, so that this tragic incident does not lead to further harm,” he added.
