Somalia’s govt eyes capture of Dolow after Baidoa takeover
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government is weighing a move to capture the strategic border town of Dolow along the country’s southern frontier with Ethiopia, following its recent takeover of Baidoa, the seat of power for Southwest state. The operation last week ended with the ouster of regional President Abdiasis Laftagaren. In a related development, […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government is weighing a move to capture the strategic border town of Dolow along the country’s southern frontier with Ethiopia, following its recent takeover of Baidoa, the seat of power for Southwest state. The operation last week ended with the ouster of regional President Abdiasis Laftagaren.
In a related development, Mogadishu dispatched the commander of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for Gedo region, Abdirashid Janan, to Ethiopia last month. He remained there for weeks before returning to Mogadishu on Tuesday.
Earlier in his security career, Janan controlled Dolow, where he served as the town’s top official for years under Ahmed Madobe, the president of Jubaland. That period was marked by allegations of human rights abuses, as documented by international rights groups.
In recent weeks, Mogadishu has repeatedly pressed Addis Ababa to accept Janan as the top authority in Gedo region and to cooperate with him. Ethiopian officials have so far rejected those overtures.
At the same time, the federal government has approached Jubaland officials in Dolow with offers of substantial financial incentives to defect and align with Mogadishu, part of a broader effort to loosen Jubaland’s grip on the region. Those attempts have yet to yield results. Meanwhile, a federal air blockade on the town has remained in place for nearly a year and a half and continues to hold.
Tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland have steadily escalated in recent years, evolving into open military confrontation. Federal forces have already taken control of several towns in Gedo region, including Balad Hawo and the regional administrative capital, Garbaharey.
Local media reports indicate that plans are now under consideration to establish a parallel Jubaland administration in Gedo, potentially led by Janan. It remains unclear, however, whether Mogadishu can secure control of Dolow and other remaining towns before pursuing such a move – one that risks deepening divisions and triggering further violence.
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