On Thursday 01 January 2026 The Commander-in-Chief of Jubbaland National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for security affairs, Mr. Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur (Abdirashid Janan), together with the Commander of the Somali Federal National Army’s 43rd Division, Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Haji, the Gedo Regional Police Commander Colonel Adan Mohamed, and the Beled-hawo District Commissioner, held an important consultative meeting with community members in Beled-hawo district. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination between security institutions and local residents to address the ongoing challenges facing the district and the wider Gedo region.
The meeting was attended by a wide range of community representatives, including traditional elders, religious leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations. Participants openly discussed the overall security situation in the region, with particular emphasis on the need for unity and cooperation between civilians and security agencies. The discussions highlighted that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without active participation and trust between the people and those responsible for maintaining security.
During the meeting, the District Commissioner reaffirmed the crucial role played by the people of Beled-hawo in maintaining peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of youth, women, and traditional leaders, noting that their involvement has been essential in conflict prevention, community reconciliation, and supporting security efforts across the district and the region as a whole.
The Gedo Regional Police Commander spoke strongly about the security threat posed by Al-Shabaab, describing the group as the primary enemy of the Somali people. He emphasized that nearly every family in Beled-hawo has suffered losses due to violence, including the deaths of parents, siblings, and children. He stated that the community has endured immense pain and atrocities and called for collective action to pursue, confront, and defeat the group through coordinated efforts with security forces.
The NISA regional commander stressed the importance of accountability, cooperation, and mutual trust between security agencies and civilians. He explained that sharing timely and accurate information is essential for preventing attacks and ensuring the safety of both the town and its residents. He thanked the community for their ongoing cooperation and assured them that, through unity and shared responsibility, long-term security can be achieved.
Traditional elders and women’s organization leaders voiced their strong commitment to resisting Al-Shabaab and supporting peace efforts. They pledged unity and readiness to take action under the guidance of legitimate security leadership. However, the meeting also acknowledged broader political challenges affecting security operations. Beled-hawo, a district in the Gedo region, has been impacted by tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and Jubbaland State.
These political divisions have affected coordination among security forces and weakened operations. Additionally, Gedo’s proximity to the borders of Kenya and Ethiopia both of which maintain troops near the area—has led to occasional border incidents and security complications, further influencing stability in the region.