Gedo, Somalia — The Jubbaland administration has launched the registration of its Daraawiish (Darawish) security forces in the Gedo region, west Somalia aiming to establish control over an area that has been politically contested for over a decade.

A high-level meeting, held yesterday in Gedo, brought together key officials, including Jubbaland’s First Vice President Mohamud Sayid Aden, the Minister of Security, regional lawmakers, local administrators, and military commanders. The discussions centered on progress in registering the forces and strategies to stabilize the region.

“The registration of Daraawiish forces is an important step in strengthening our ability to safeguard Gedo and ensure its integration into Jubbaland’s administration,” Vice President Aden said, according to Jubbaland State Television.

The meeting follows a statement from Gedo’s regional administration accusing Somalia’s Federal Government of meddling in local affairs. Jubbaland officials allege that a recent visit to the region by Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Fartag, reflects attempts to undermine Jubbaland’s authority in Gedo.

The region has long been a flashpoint, caught between Jubbaland and federal authorities. While Jubbaland claims Gedo as part of its jurisdiction, federal influence has kept the region semi-autonomous, complicating efforts to integrate it fully into Jubbaland’s governance.

Federal officials have yet to respond publicly to Jubbaland’s accusations, but the situation underscores the longstanding rivalry over Gedo’s strategic significance.

Vice President Aden emphasized the need for unity and reiterated Jubbaland’s commitment to peace but warned against external interference. “We must prioritize the safety and stability of our region, working together as a united front,” he said during the meeting.

The registration of Daraawiish forces represents a significant step in Jubbaland’s broader strategy to consolidate control over Gedo. However, experts caution that longstanding grievances in the region must be addressed to avoid further tensions.