Tension in Gedo region as pro-Kalil fighters station troops outside the town

Fighters loyal to the deposed Gedo governor Mohamed Abdi Kalil have pitched tent in the outskirts of Garbarey town with fears a clash might erupt with Interim Jubba Administration soldiers, sources say.

Eyewitnesses have told Goobjoog News tens of pro-Kalil fighters were spotted in a number of places just outside the town raising the prospects of a fight.

“We fear fighting could erupt at anytime because pro-Kalil fighters are heading towards the town as the forces inside it are in high alert,” said one of the residents.

Kalil who was fired by the IJA President Ahmed Mohamed Islam last month, a day after reconciling with the administration went ahead to appoint a new district commissioner for Bardere district in Gedo and several other officials after the town was recaptured by AMISOM and Somali National Army

Kalil also dismissed the sack terming it immature and that he could not bolt out of office because he was procedurally appointed by the Federal Government.

Differences between the two camps also saw several Gedo politicians forced out of the town to Mogadishu last month.

Mohamed Abdi Kalil, Abdi Barre Abdi and his former deputy , Mohamud Siyad Adan with the chairman of the dervish fighters (AhluSunna waljama’a) in Gedo Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf and other well known elders and politicians were all accused of opposing President Ahmed Mohamed Islam administration.