Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has issued a stern ultimatum to Jubbaland forces operating in his county, demanding their immediate withdrawal or they will face consequences.

Speaking at a public forum on August 29, 2025, Khalif warned that the presence of these troops threatens the stability and safety of the region.

“We want to call upon the President to intervene. Mandera cannot be turned into a battlefront for Somalia. We have no business with Somalis other than peace, and we have no right to chip into their internal affairs,” he said, emphasising the urgency of the situation.

Tensions in the Mandera triangle, bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, have escalated in recent weeks. Stray bullets, rockets, and live ordnance have crossed into Kenyan territory, endangering residents and damaging property.

Senator Roba’s claims

Senator Ali Roba had earlier described the situation on social media, saying, “Fear and anxiety rocked Mandera residents as these incidents hit our soil. This is no way for Kenyan citizens to live.”

Disruptions

Governor Khalif expressed outrage over the disruption caused by the Jubbaland forces, revealing that troops had set up a camp inside a primary school, which has since been closed.

“There are students who will sit for exams in the next month. How do you close a public school and turn it into a military training camp? It is impossible,” he said. Khalif called for the immediate relocation of the forces, adding, “If you do not do it, we will do it ourselves. Peleka Somalia side yenu huko.”

He further condemned the impact on local livelihoods, insisting that schools, farms, businesses, and water supply must not be compromised for foreign operations. “You cannot kill our people in the name of supporting a function in Somalia. What do you people have in Somalia? We have nothing,” he stressed.

Khalif also criticized the Defence Cabinet Secretary, saying he had not heard from her since her election and demanding that the Kenya Defence Forces withdraw support for Jubbaland troops.

Call for intervention

Extending his plea beyond Kenya’s borders, Governor Khalif urged Ethiopia to stay out of Mandera. “If you want to support Somalia, there are many borders.

Do not use Mandera town as a support base,” he said. His bold stance reflects growing demands for sovereignty, peace, and protection of civilian lives in a region long marred by conflict. Residents now brace for potential escalation, hoping the national government will act swiftly to avert further crises.