Our correspondent spoke with Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf (Awlibax), the ASWJ chairman in southern Somalia, as well as Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed of Ras Kamboni.

©Somalia Report

Kismayo overview

Interview with ASWJ's Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf (Awlibax)

Thank you for giving this exclusive interview to Somalia Report. Please briefly tell us about the political tension in Gedo, Middle and Lower Jubba regions.

The political tension is very high as there are so many political groups who are struggling to see Kismayo fall under their control. As ASWJ we have contributed our part in the process towards eliminating al-Shabaab in Gedo region as well as Lower and Middle Jubba regions by fighting and dying for this country. We have a reputation in the diverse Somalia communities and insha'Allah soon after Kismayo is free from al-Shabaab we will occupy the port city.

Traditional elders reject any political or religious groups without their consent. What is ASWJ's response to this?

We are very sorry to hear that the traditional elders are starting to involve themselves in the current political disputes instead of doing their work which is solving clan conflicts and other basic issues. As ASWJ we cannot accept any traditional elder interfering in our policy and if they insist, we will stand against them. Then we will look a solution to curb that problem if it arises. We are religious leaders who want to guide the people on the right path and we want to see our Somalia people to be one, working together and living peace and harmony.

What will ASWJ do if the TFG captures Kismayo and rejects any other political power in the city?

That is not something to worry about for now. The TFG and the ASWJ alongside with the AMISOM forces, Kenya Defensive Forces (KDF) and the Ras Kamboni militia are supporting each other in capturing the port city. The ASWJ are playing the biggest role in the mission of capturing and freeing the Gedo and Jubba regions. If al-Shabaab withdraws from Kismayo, our forces will take their share in the port city. Generally we are conflicting with the TFG but the ASWJ will get its share in the administration and the control of the town. The TFG cannot do all the task of freeing Kismayo alone and so when the town is freed it cannot reject our involvement in the running for the posts available in the town.

What do you believe is the solution of the current political deadlock and the scramble between different political parties?

The solution is clear, each political party has their own agenda and future plans about the rule of the country. Only the successful political party which their leaders satisfy the needs of the people and is corrupt-free will lead the government. The smaller political parties have to come together in order to have a stronger voice and a better representation in the struggle for power in the country. The bigger groups like the ASWJ will continue representing the majority of the people in order to attain and bring the effective leaders to power. The central government should also clearly state and formulate the rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct, operations and the way they should work in order to end the current political deadlock.

Why the ASWJ are eying Kismayo?

We are eying Kismayo because it is a very strategic place for any group. Our main priority is to liberate the town and end the oppression they subjected on the people. Kismayo being a finance generating source and the main source of income for al-Shabaab and once we secure the town, that will deprive them of resources and will lead to their downfall. Kismayo is an outlet to the outside world and the group gets assistance through the sea and we want to distract that from the group.

Which allied forces are planning to take over Kismayo from al-Shabaab? When?

The allied forces who want to liberate Kismayo are clear and they are not debatable. The major forces who want to capture Kismayo are KDF, TFG, ASWJ and Ras Kamboni militia. Together we are planning to capture the town very soon. We are now cleaning the al-Qaeda linked group from most Gedo region and Lower Juba. Our soldiers are planning to free the remaining town of Gedo, Lower and Middle Juba from the Somali enemies before the end of this year. We want the port city to be the under the control of ASWJ.

Who will be in charge of the city after the fall of al-Shabaab?

Currently we cannot predict who will be in charge of the city since there are many political groups targeting the control of the town once the al-Shabaab moves away from the town. It is our aim to be the group in charge since we have confidence with the people in those regions. The other groups like the newly formed Azania, Harti and the Ras Kamboni militia want to claim the future control of the town but all that will prove futile as we are the proper authority to take charge of the town.

Is the ASWJ a political party or a religious sector?

We are a religious group but it entails the political responsibility of the group. We have both a political role and religious authority now. That is why we have combination of roles but not specifically a religious one. We want to safeguard and protect all of Somalia's communities.

Thank you.

You are welcome.

Interview with Ras Kamboni Official Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed

To get another perspective, Somalia Report also interviewed Ras Kamboni official Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed.

Thank you for giving this interview to Somalia Report. Can you briefly tell us how the operation is going?

Our operation in Lower and Middle Jubba regions are going well and our forces are working hard day and night. We have extraordinary tactics and are fighting strategically in order to reach the port city of Kismayo and we expect to be there soon.

What are the main objectives of Ras Kamboni militia group?

Our first main target is to eradicate the Al-Qaeda allied militia of al-Shabaab from Middle and Lower Jubba regions and even southern Somalia. Our second target is to capture Kismayo and establish a semi-autonomous state in the Lower and Middle regions which we believe is the only solution that we can develop the regions socially, economically and politically.

Traditional elders declared war against any group who claims leadership of the regions when al-Shabaab are flushed out. How will it affect your group?

Definitely I believe that the elders have no right to be an obstacle to our group because our warrior forces are fighting against al-Shabaab and ensuring to get rid of them so we cannot accept the elders to threaten they are against any group. Elders know their role and we also know it. It is not appropriate for them to interfere in the political issue going on in the region.

Who will take the control of Kismayo if and when al-Shabaab is defeated?

Before the TFG and KDF were in the regions, we were the only group to fight against al-Shabaab and tried to liberate regions under the control. Now we get support from the TFG and KDF forces and we started working as allied forces so our expectation of seizing Kismayo is high and also ruling towns in the region.

Who will be the head of the state you want to establish?

Ras Kamboni Leader Ahmed Madobe

Shiekh Ahmed Madobe who is currently our top leader will serve that position of leadership and we are satisfied with him. He is a man of integrity who can lead the people in the regions in a better way which we believe everyone will admire.

We heard that ASWJ are also interesting Kismayo. Can you comment on this?

We are actually confused as to why ASWJ are interested in Kismayo as they have neither taken part in the liberation process which is going on in Lower and Middle Jubba regions nor have they suggested their interest previously. ASWJ controls and operates in Gedo and the central regions of Somalia. They do not even hail from the Lower and Middle regions so it is better for them to swallow their saliva and stop interfering in our policy.

Finally what is your suggestion?

First I would like to send my appreciation to the residents of Middle Jubba who supported us in the liberation of the region and are now ready to work with our forces until we gain the main victory which is capturing Kismayo. Secondly, I want to tell my people that there are so many groups with specific interests in the regions who want to create confusion among our people so tell them to be very vigilant and aware what is going on these days.

Thank you, Mr. Abdduhali Mohamud Mohamed.

You are welcome.

ASWJ Forces (File Photo)

The Ahlu Shunna wal Jamaa (ASWJ) pro-government militia group of Somalia's central region of Galgadud have been facing a dramatic disagreement with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) over the articles in the draft constitution and the appointment of leaders in the region controlled by the ASWJ. As a result, al-Shabaab militants have been able to recapture major towns in the region like El-Bur after ASWJ, TFG and Ethiopian forces were forced to flee.

To consolidate their power and regain lost ground, ASWJ officials have begun moving away from supporting both the Ethiopian forces, which are supporting the government in their fight against al-Shabaab, and the TFG as they move towards an independent entity by mobilizing residents in regions under their control. The group started holding meetings with the community in the region and plans to involve every resident in their plans to recapture the towns they were forced to abandon.

The chairman of the ASWJ in Galgadud, Ahmed Hassan Ciyow, said the group will start talks with the Himin and Heeb state in the region, which has not been operating on good terms since both sides claimed control of the region.

“It is time to talk to the residents of the central regions. No matter what differences we had initially, we are going to come together with Himin and Heeb state and discuss the future of our regions," said Ahmed Hassan Ciyow.

“We have already had talks with the senior officials of the Himin and Heeb state. The state has made many developments in the region so it is very important to join hands with each other and plan the well-being and the future of the region," he added.

“We are planning to establish a police force in the region in order to maintain peace and order, and curb terror activities in our region. We are planning to also set up an outstanding army with the residents and the people here in order to eliminate the al-Shabaab terrorists from the region," the chairman added.

This comes after a major disagreement broke out between the two groups last year when ASWJ accused the Himin and Heeb administration of carrying out looting in the region which the Himin and Heeb state angrily denied and instead accussed the ASWJ of being the ones causing problems in the region.

Today, both sides appear ready to move past their differences in order to fight their common enemy of al-Shabaab and guard their region from external intervention, including the Ethiopians.

ASWJ officials said talks will start soon with the Himin and Heeb state and will plan to achieve their goals of establishing security and re-seizing districts from al-Shabaab by working with local residents rather than the TFG and Ethiopians

Fighters from the hardline al-Shabaab group earlier today briefly seized Beled-Hawo (Belet-Hawo), a town on the Kenya-Somali border in Somalia's Gedo region, following an hour of fighting between the militants and Somali government soldiers along with its Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa (ASJW) allies.

At least three soldiers from Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) were killed in the fighting when al-Shabaab attacked at 03.30 local time, according to residents in the Kenyan border town of Mandera close to Beled-Hawo, who spoke to Somalia Report.

“There was a heavy fighting between al-Shabaab and allied troops who were at the front gate of Beled-Hawo's checkpoint on the route from Luq district. So far we know two civilians were wounded in the battle and three government soldiers died," Hassan Dubad, a resident in Mandera, told Somalia Report.

The number of casualties is unknown.

Sheikh Isaakh Hussein Mursal, an ASWJ official in the region, said TFG and ASWJ fighters have left the city, but they are regrouping to retake the town, a claim that was denied by others.

“The combat comes after the militants raided Beled-Hawo and they finally entered into the town, but our troops are close to the town. We are expecting to reorganize and Shabaab will no longer be in the city," he said.

Accounts Vary

Other sources told Somalia Report that TFG and ASWJ were able to defeat al-Shabaab. However initial reports posted on pro-al-Shabaab websites reported that al-Shabaab troops were able to capture the city temporarily.

“It is untrue that al-Shabaab captured the city last night and the fighting was not so heavy, but it was like hit and run," a local aid worker Aden told Somalia Report.

“I do not know about al-Shabaab but one civilian and two TFG soldiers were injured in that clashes and now the situation of the city remains clam and pro-government troops are controlling here now,” he added.

Residents and ASWJ officials said that fighters loyal to al-Shabaab are based in area called Gadoondhawe, 55 kilometers southwest of the Beled-Hawo, from where they are conducting hit and run attacks.

The attack in Beled-Hawo, which has been a battleground in recent months, gives al-Shabaab militants a boost in their Jihad against the Somali government, Kenyan, Ethiopian, ASWJ and the African Union forces. In recent weeks, al-Shabaab has been regaining areas lost to the allied forces, including strategic locations in Galgudud region after withdrawing from El-Buur and Mahaas.

This comes as a rift is developing between the TFG and ASWJ allies over the control and administration of towns under the control of ASWJ.

ASWJ Forces (File Photo)

The marriage of convenience between Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the moderate Islamist militia of Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa (ASWJ) is deteriorating due to a deepening political rift that is causing misunderstanding and mistrust between the two groups that united to fight al-Shabaab insurgents.

Leaders of ASWJ are now pressuring Villa Somalia, the TFG's seat of government, to accept their grievances over administrative and regional leadership roles so that the current cooperation can be maintained in order to finalize the war against insurgents.

ASWJ is seemingly finding itself holding the wrong end of the stick despite fighting alongside and in front of TFG soldiers to push the hardline militants from the country. There is a powerful indictment of a ‘use and dump’ attitude from the side of the TFG and the apathy within the Sunnis is growing each day casting doubt on the future cooperation between the two sides.

ASWJ has continually contributed troops to the fight against Shabaab, working closely with Ethiopia to secure key towns throughout central Somalia. Such successes, however, leaves the question of who controls the town up for debate as was the case with Beledweyne.

“Without ASWJ it was clear that TFG could not have achieved such victorious moments in central Somalia. It was through our outstanding military support and determination that resulted in successful operations which yielded the territorial gains against al-Shabaab,” Sheikh Hassan Abudwak, ASWJ chairman in Abudwak, told Somalia Report.

“The government is exercising authority beyond its powers. We don’t want them to interfere with our administration and there should be a mutual discussion. There is no way, therefore, we can accept a political framework with TFG so long as it does not suit our stand,” he added.

The contentious debate on the constitution and the anticipated political realignment ahead of a possible election in August is causing some political friction across Somalia, adding up to the concern of the leadership of ASWJ who believe that they are not getting the required attention from the government particularly in areas that they control.

The group’s catalogue of complains include the recent appointments of administrative officers in the areas they rule and accusing the transitional authorities of refusing to consult on sensitive issues that touches on the security of local populations.

©Somalia Report

ASWJ Forces Control in Gedo Region (Yellow)

Over the past few months, the ASWJ has been frustrated that the TFG could appoint their own leaders to rule areas under ASWJ control without considering the views and the grievances of the ASWJ and the local residents.

“It is illogical for the TFG to decide on matters pertaining to the administration of the region without considering what we really want. We are the ones who fought for the freedom of many regions in Somalia and we happen to be the people of the region. We won’t tolerate the TFG to name outsiders to come and rule our territory while those of us who fought in the battle field are there and are willing to take administrative posts in the region,” the regional chairman said.

ASWJ claims that they supported the TFG in the hour of need and their expectations were to be part and parcel of the available regional portfolios. But this, they say has not happened at this point in time, belittling the efficiency and authority of the group.

The debate on the constitution also introduced further separation between TFG and ASWJ. There are some articles which ASWJ strongly opposes because they believe is against their own interest and that of the entire Muslim community.

Freedom of worship is one contentuous article as the ASWJ termed the article irrelevant to the predominantly Muslim community. The group is also opposed to the article on equal rights to both genders in all circumstances of social, economical and political aspects of life. These two bills they say are against the fundamental creed of Islam, the religion of the majority in Somalia.

Until now the position of the TFG regarding its emerging disagreements with its ally ASWJ is not clear. A bloody confrontation might be the result if TFG refuses to give in to the demands of the group that has started losing some of its strongholds to al-Shabaab.

The recent seizure of Mahaas district in Hiraan region and Elbur district in Galgadud region after troops from TFG and ASWJ retreated, underlines the cost of the current disagreement further nurturing regional power struggles at a time when Somalia is close to some form of solution.

In March 15, 2010, the government entered an agreement with ASWJ granting them some ministerial and diplomatic portfolios in exchange for their military support against al-Shabaab who then ruled large swaths of Southern Somalia.

Since then, the top brass of ASWJ developed a defining relationship with the authority of President Sharif as they sought to oust their common enemy. The beleaguered government and its ally maintained a mutual cooperation which forced opposition insurgency group al-Shabaab to be dislodged from a number of strategic towns in South-Central Somalia.