Ethiopian military commanders meet with Jubaland leader

Ethiopian military officials asked Ahmed Madobe to work with them to prevent TPLF from sneaking into Jubaland and tightening border security, particularly in the town of Dolow.

News Keydmedia Online
27 February 2022

KISMAYO, Somalia – Top Ethiopian military commanders have paid an unannounced visit to Jubaland state for talks with Ahmed Madobe over the border security and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Sources revealed to Keydmedia English that the secret meeting was also attended by Jubaland intelligence and police commanders.

The Ethiopian government fears that the TPLF could find a safe haven and set up training camps in Somalia after the rebel group has been defeated in the ongoing battle in the north of the country.

Ethiopian military officials asked Ahmed Madobe to work with them to prevent TPLF from sneaking into Jubaland and tightening border security, particularly in the town of Dolow.

Jubaland located in southern Somalia shares a border with Ethiopia in Gedo, where Al-Shabaab is feared to launch a cross-border terror attack.

Addis Ababa sees Madobe as an important ally in the war on Al-Shabaab and the border security. Kenya has an influence in Jubaland as its troops protect the Madobe administration in Kismayo.

Colonel Assefa Mekonnen, commander of the 5th Ethiopian Military Battalion, said Al-Shabaab was plotting attacks in Jubaland and the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia.

The statement did not mention where the meeting took place, but Keydmedia Online has learned that it was held at Ahmed Madobe's office, in Kismayo.

KEYDMEDIA English