Misunderstandimg in Mandera over security forces and primary school.
- Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif accused Jubaland security forces of crossing into Kenya and setting up a camp at BP1 Primary School, forcing its closure
- The governor warned that the incursion risks destabilising border communities, disrupting learning for pupils preparing for national exams
- He alleged Kenya Defence Forces were backing Jubaland units, demanding immediate withdrawal or local action if the situation persists
- Mandera woman representative Umulkheir Kassim backed Khalif, saying Kenya’s sovereignty must not be compromised by foreign-backed militias
Mandera governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has accused Jubaland security forces of crossing into Kenya and setting up a military camp inside his county.
The county boss warned that their presence risks destabilising border communities and undermining national sovereignty.
Speaking on Friday, August 29, during the launch of a dialysis centre and the laying of a foundation stone for new specialist clinics at Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the governor said Jubaland forces had allegedly occupied BP1 Primary School in Mandera town, forcing its closure.
"We want to call upon His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Kenya, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Mandera cannot be turned into a battleground for Somalia. We have no interest in Somalia. Our only interest in Somalia is peace," Khalif said.
According to the governor, pupils preparing for national exams have been forced out of the school, disrupting their education.
"BP1 Primary School is now closed, yet pupils are expected to sit for exams in the next month. How can a public school be completely shut down and converted into a military training camp? It is unacceptable," he added.
Who are the Jubaland Forces?
Jubaland forces, also known as the Jubaland Darawiish, are the state security arm of the Jubaland administration based in Kismayo, Somalia.
Formed out of the Ras Kamboni movement led by Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Madobe, the group has operated both as a counter-terrorism force against al-Shabaab and as a regional army advancing Jubaland’s political autonomy.
The forces are often at the centre of disputes between Jubaland and Somalia’s federal government, with clashes erupting periodically over control of territory and resources.
Khalif warned that unless the forces are withdrawn immediately, his administration and local communities would be forced to act.
He also accused the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) of backing Jubaland units, urging Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya and her ministry to intervene.
"So we are saying, there must be the immediate relocation of the Jubaland Forces out of Mandera. Immediate. If this is not done, we will take action ourselves. You cannot close people’s farms, schools, and water supplies, and you cannot kill our people carelessly in the name of supporting a faction in Somalia. What interest do we have in Somalia? We have none," Khalif declared.
He further asked Ethiopia to avoid using Mandera as a staging ground in its relations with Somalia.
What is Kenya's interest in Somalia?
Mandera Woman Representative Umulkheir Kassim backed the governor, saying Kenya’s sovereignty must not be compromised.
The lawmaker condemned the conversion of a school into what she described as a militia training ground.
"Kenya is a sovereign state that has always stood for peace, stability and mutual respect with its neighbours, and therefore cannot allow foreign-backed militia groups to destabilise our borders or disrupt the lives of innocent citizens," Kassim said.
She noted that the presence of Jubaland fighters has already triggered panic and displacement of families in Mandera, with women and children bearing the greatest impact.
Kassim emphasised that Kenya’s position remains anchored on promoting peace in Somalia, not supporti
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