Somali troops have retreated from positions in the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region following clashes with regional forces.
- Tensions have escalated between the Somali Federal Government and the Jubaland regional government since Ahmed Mohamed Islam was re-elected for a third consecutive term as regional president on November 25.
- This move has been strongly opposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who hails from Jubaland.
- Conflict-weary Somalia is a federation of five semi-autonomous member states — Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West — and a central government in the capital.
- The clashes in Jubaland will also worry neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia, who see Jubaland as a buffer against Al-Shabaab militants who have staged several bloody attacks in their countries.
