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The war-torn Somalia could be headed for deeper trouble if plans to create another autonomous region along its borders with Kenya are carried through.
Although being billed as a good tactical move to help stabilise the lawless country, some observers say it could spark fresh rounds of civil war between regional authorities and the Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militia that is causing grave security concerns in the Horn of Africa.
A meeting in Nairobi this week discussed the formation of a semi-autonomous Jubaland that will comprise northern regions of Lower and Middle Juba and Gedo on the Kenya-Somalia border.
If the plan goes through, Jubaland would become the third semi-autonomous breakaway region after Somaliland and Puntland.
A group of former Somalia MPs told the Nairobi meeting that if created, Jubaland would act as a buffer zone and frustrate incursions by Al Shabaab into the region, prevent entry of refugees, and smuggling of arms into Kenya.
Kenya has backed the proposal with the hope it would help crush the Al Shabaab insurgents operating along the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia border.
The Nairobi meeting was held at a time Mandera is under siege from heavily armed Al Shabaab fighters.
The rebel fighters have wounded a number of villagers and even police and military officers based in the town and its environs.
Risky undertakingThe militia group have pounded the town with mortar fire as they fight the Somalia Transitional Government troops across the border. The rebel group is opposed to the breakaway.
A former senior police officer, who spoke to The Standard On Saturday, on condition of anonymity because he is still bound by State secrets rules, warned the Kenyan Government to tread carefully on its relationship with the new Jubaland.Continued
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