The presence of Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) along the Kenya–Somalia border in Bulla Hawa has caused concern among some Mandera residents, but authorities maintain that the troops pose no threat to locals.
This follows clashes between Jubaland Security Forces and the Somalia National Army (SNA) on July 30, 2025, during which Jubaland forces were pushed out of Bulla Hawa, a Somali border town.
“There was fighting in Somalia’s Bulla Hawa border area, but it did not extend into Kenya. Security has been maintained through constant patrols by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security agencies. During the fighting, schools in Kenya were already on holiday,” Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton said.
Contrary to claims that Jubaland troops had crossed into Kenya and occupied Border Point One Primary School for training, Chepoton clarified that all 68 secondary and 68 primary schools in the county were open and operating normally.
He was flanked by police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officials when issuing the statement.
Unconfirmed reports have suggested fears among residents that SNA attacks on Jubaland forces could spill over into Kenya.
However, education officials downplayed these concerns.
Mandera County Education Director Abdi Sheikh and Border Point One Primary School principal Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed confirmed that the school reopened as scheduled on July 26, 2025, and has been operating without disruption.
Two armed police officers are stationed at the school, which is close to the border, and KDF patrols in armoured vehicles reinforce security.
Other facilities, including the village water tank and dispensary, continue to serve residents without interruption, according to youth leader Shuria Mohamed Ahmed.
Security sources acknowledged that on the day of the clashes, some Jubaland fighters briefly crossed into Kenya before regrouping and returning to Somalia.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba had earlier raised concerns that Jubaland troops were using the primary school as a training base, allegedly affecting learning.
Residents also reported difficulty accessing their farms after 4 p.m., citing fears of fighters stationed near the border.
However, the school principal reiterated that learning has continued without disruption since classes resumed.
Regional Dynamics
The renewed clashes between Jubaland and SNA forces are linked to political differences between Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Ahmed Madobe, and his former security minister, Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur (also known as Abdirashid Janaan).
Janaan, once an ally of Madobe and a key commander in the capture of Bulla Hawa, has since aligned with the SNA in an attempt to retake the town. Despite the tensions, business activities remain normal at border points, including Malka Sufti, Tula Amin, Bulla Geneva, and Inabat, where residents continue to trade without hindrance.
KDF patrol commander Corporal Fredrick Muirigi reassured residents of their safety. “We are constantly on patrol and have not encountered Jubaland forces in Kenyan territory. Our mandate is to secure our side of the border, and that remains our focus,” he said.
Background
Kenya has historically worked with Jubaland forces in its efforts to contain the Al-Shabaab insurgency. During Kenya’s 2011 incursion into Somalia under Operation Linda Nchi, Madobe’s forces were considered an ally in establishing a buffer zone along the border.
Madobe, who previously led the Ras Kamboni Brigade, later became president of Jubaland after his forces—alongside KDF—captured the port city of Kismayo from Al-Shabaab in 2012.
Since then, Jubaland has remained a semi-autonomous state in southern Somalia with its administration headquartered in Kismayo.
The Federal Government of Somalia, however, has repeatedly contested Madobe’s leadership, with tensions flaring during Jubaland elections. Several attempts by Mogadishu to replace him with preferred candidates have failed. Despite the disputes, Jubaland remains strategically important as a buffer against Al-Shabaab, with its port city of Kismayo serving as a key economic hub in southern Somalia.
Calm Maintained in Mandera
For now, Mandera remains calm, with security agencies assuring residents of their safety. Businesses, schools, and social services continue to operate normally, even as clashes persist across the border in Somalia.
