Residents of border point one in Mandera who fled from their
homes receiving non-food items from the Kenya Red Cross./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Mandera Senator Ali Roba has urged the government to act decisively to protect lives and property in Mandera, as fighting between the Somali National Army and Jubaland Security Forces escalates.
The clashes, centred around control
of the strategic town of Bula Hawa on the Kenya–Somalia border, have left
Mandera residents living in fear. Those near Border Point One have been fleeing
to safer areas while some are seeking refuge with relatives in Mandera town.
Hundreds have crossed into Mandera
since last week after heavy fighting displaced communities in Somalia.
Residents say stray bullets, rockets and live ordnance have repeatedly landed
on Kenyan soil, shattering the sense of safety.
“Enough. Mandera town is under
constant threat from Somalia’s endless wars,” Roba said. “Families live in fear. Children cannot play outside. Businesses
shut early and neighbourhoods brace for the next stray bullet or explosion.
This is no way for Kenyans to live.”
Roba accused the Federal
Government of Somalia and the Jubaland administration of allowing their
conflict to spill into Kenyan territory, calling it a violation of the
country’s sovereignty.
“Kenya’s duty is clear — protect lives and property in Mandera at all costs. Silence is not an option. Action is overdue,” he said.
Roba urged Nairobi to formally warn Mogadishu and Kismayo that
the situation is unacceptable.
Last week, residents of Border Point One staged
protests over the reported presence of Jubaland forces. Led by
former councillor Noor Diis Sheikh, they said the military presence has
heightened insecurity and driven many locals away, leaving only a handful to
tend to livestock and farms.
Members of the Mandera county assembly have also written to the county security committee demanding removal of Jubaland forces from the area. The letter, signed by seven MCAs and led
by Mandera Town MCA Feisal Issack, warned that the forces’ presence
“compromises the safety of residents".
But Jubaland officials have denied
the claims. Vice President Mohamed Sayid told BBC Somali Service that
their troops remain on the Somali side of the border and are in contact with
the Mandera security committee.
“Our forces have not crossed into the Kenyan territory,” he said. “We are near the border, but residents have no reason to fear. We remain in communication with local authorities to ensure safety.”
