Kismayo, Somalia, November 30, 2024 In a surprising move, Jubaland authorities have disabled all communication lines in Raskambooni town, cutting off the Somali National Army (SNA) forces stationed there from Mogadishu and the Ministry of Defense. The shutdown affected internet and telephone access, leaving the SNA troops isolated and unable to communicate with their central command.
This decision follows the recent emergence of videos showing Jubaland soldiers defecting to join the Somali National Army in Raskambooni. The footage, widely shared across social media platforms, caused significant concern in Kismayo, Jubaland’s administrative capital.
The shutdown of communication lines is seen as a response to the defections, which have raised tensions between Jubaland and the Somali Federal Government. The defections are seen as a challenge to Jubaland’s authority and have raised questions about the loyalty of local forces to the regional administration.
The move to cut communications has left SNA forces in a vulnerable position, with no direct contact with the central government or the Ministry of Defense. It remains unclear whether the situation will escalate or if mediation efforts will be made to resolve the tensions between Jubaland and the federal government.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on how this decision will impact the broader security dynamics in southern Somalia and the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.