With our regional correspondent in Nairobi, Sébastien Németh

The fighting is concentrated on Baled Hawo, a locality controlled by federal troops for almost a year, but located in Jubaland, a state of the Somali federation that nonetheless has its own security forces.

Each side accuses the other of launching hostilities, but Mogadishu further claims that the assault comes from a neighboring "ally of Kenya". Tensions are high between the two countries, to the point that Somalia broke its diplomatic ties with Nairobi last month.

The ally in question could be Abdirashid Janan. The security minister of Jubaland is indeed close to Nairobi. He escaped from a Mogadishu prison a year ago and is reportedly taking refuge on the Kenyan side of the border, from where he is said to have mobilized his forces.

A strategic region

The region under attack also encompasses many stakes. It is one of the strongholds of Somali president Mohamed Farmajo. He seeks to garner support there before the April presidential election. It is also an area rich in fertile lands. Lastly, Jubaland and its leader Ahmed Madobe are in conflict with the head of state. Two visions clash: Farmajo favors a centralized conception of Somali power while Madobe wants more autonomy for his region.

For a long time, the Somali head of state has attempted to destabilize the zone by appointing allies there, and also by deploying federal troops. A situation being closely monitored, as Kenyan and Ethiopian armies are stationed nearby. The slightest spark could have serious consequences.