Somali troops clashed [12] with forces from the country's semi-autonomous Jubaland [13] region last week in a flare-up of violence that is raising tensions with neighboring countries [14] and may play into the hands of the militant group al-Shabab. Tensions have been rising since August, when Jubaland's incumbent president, Ahmed Madobe, won [15] regional elections that Mogadishu described as "not free and fair [16]." The central government wanted a loyalist candidate to win, as it seeks greater control over Somalia's regions ahead of upcoming national elections [17]. Kenya, which has troops deployed as part of an African Union peace enforcement operation, is on the side of Madobe, who it sees as an ally against al-Shabab [18], while Ethiopia has aligned with Mogadishu. Kenya accused [19] Somali troops of encroaching on its territory and destroying property during last week's violence, while the US said [20] that the clashes are a distraction in efforts against al-Shabab. An estimated 56,000 people have been uprooted [21] by the recent fighting. according to the UN.
From The New Humanitarian [22], March 6
