Elite Police Deployment to Barawe Raises Fears of Escalation in Southwest Dispute
The Federal Government of Somalia on Thursday airlifted elite Haramad police units to the coastal town of Barawe in the Lower Shabelle region, as political tensions continue to escalate.
Sources indicate that the deployment is linked to a federal plan to organize elections in Barawe, despite a deepening dispute with the Southwest State administration, particularly its regional president. Although details of the proposed electoral process have not been officially disclosed, the ongoing military movements suggest clear preparations on the ground.
In a related development, the Commander of the Somali National Army last night dismissed the head of the 6th Brigade stationed in Barawe, Libaan Yusuf Garre. The move is widely seen as part of broader security changes being implemented by the federal government in the area, further fueling speculation about the anticipated election plans.
The outcome of these developments remains uncertain, as political tensions between the federal government and Southwest State authorities persist. Residents of Barawe and the wider Lower Shabelle region are closely monitoring the situation, amid fears that the standoff could undermine local security and stability.
The Somali government has previously deployed large numbers of troops to Ras Kamboni following a dispute with the Jubbaland president; however, those forces ultimately fragmented, with some falling under Jubbaland control and others fleeing into Kenya.
