At least three Transitional Federal Government (TFG) officers were arrested by Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) troops on Monday in the Qooqani District of Lower Juba Region. According to witnesses and a TFG MP, there was a dispute over who will administer Afmadow after al-Shabaab is ousted between TFG officers and Ahmed Madobe, the leader of the Ras Kamboni militia.

Sources said that the three officers are being held in a KDF prison in the Qooqani district.

TFG MP Mohamed Abdillahi (known as 'Mohamed Amiin'), who is from the Lower Juba region, confirmed the arrests to Somalia Report. “It’s unacceptable for the KDF to arrest TFG officers, we strongly condemn this action against our national army officers,” he said.

The TFG officers who were arrested are Col. Dahir Budul, Col. Yusuf Gas (Dal Dal) and Col. Abdi Nasir. Ahmed Madobe is opposed to a TFG administration in the Juba region, while the KDF supports the Ras Kamboni administration.

A TFG officer in Dobley Abdi Halane, when contacted by Somalia Report, denied that TFG officers were arrested.

The KDF has previously arrested TFG officers, Farah Hersi, a TFG officer, was arrested in Liboe District of Kenyan border with Somalia.

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