MOGADISHU, Somalia — August 23, 2026 — An armed group described by local sources as the “Somali RSF” has reportedly seized control of Marka, the capital of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, challenging the authority of the South West State administration. The militia allegedly supports a proposed administration called “Southeastern State” and is reportedly led by Dubai-based General Abdalla Abdalla.

Preliminary reports from local sources said the armed group entered Marka and established control over parts of the strategic coastal city. The circumstances surrounding the reported takeover remain unclear, including whether government forces resisted, withdrew or reached an agreement with the militia.

No casualties have been reported, and there is no independently verified information about fighting inside the city. Details about the number of fighters involved, the government facilities they may control and the location of South West State security forces were also unavailable.

Neither Somalia’s federal government nor the South West State administration had issued an official statement confirming that control of Marka had changed hands at the time of publication.

Representatives of the proposed Southeastern State have also not released a detailed statement explaining their objectives or addressing the reports from Marka.

Local sources described the militia as the “Somali RSF,” an apparent reference to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. There is no confirmed institutional connection between the Somali group and Sudan’s RSF.

The militia is reportedly led by General Abdalla Abdalla, a senior Somali police officer who is said to be based in Dubai. Sources have alleged that the United Arab Emirates supports the armed faction, but they have not produced publicly available evidence proving financial, military or logistical assistance.

The UAE has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

Government response

The reported takeover represents a potential challenge to the South West State administration, which formally governs Lower Shabelle as one of its three constituent regions.

Federal and regional authorities have not announced whether security forces will be deployed to restore their control over Marka. They have also not said whether negotiations are underway with the armed group or local community leaders.

The absence of an official account means the situation cannot yet be independently assessed. Claims about control of cities in conflict-affected areas can change quickly, particularly when security forces and armed groups move between government installations without sustained fighting.

Earlier allegations draw renewed attention

The reports have renewed attention on accusations made on July 17, 2026, by Somalia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Abdullahi Omar Abshirow.

Abshirow accused the UAE of working through Abdalla to establish an armed faction in Lower Shabelle modelled on Sudan’s RSF. He claimed the force was intended to destabilize Somalia and undermine the country’s security.

“Abdalla Abdalla, acting on behalf of a foreign government, is creating a force in Lower Shabelle similar to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces,” Abshirow said at the time.

The deputy speaker did not publicly present evidence supporting his accusations. Federal authorities did not announce a formal investigation or release documents substantiating the alleged connection between Abdalla, the proposed force and the UAE.

Abdalla subsequently rejected the allegations, calling them unfounded. He denied acting on behalf of the UAE or participating in efforts to create an RSF-style armed organization in Lower Shabelle.

The UAE did not publicly respond to Abshirow’s original accusations. No independent investigation has established that the country created or supports the armed group now reportedly operating in Marka.

Marka lies about 90 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu and serves as the administrative capital of Lower Shabelle. Its coastal position and proximity to the national capital give the city political, commercial and security importance.

Lower Shabelle has experienced years of insecurity involving Al-Shabaab, government forces, regional security units and clan-based militias. Control of roads and towns across the region is important for the movement of civilians, commercial goods and security personnel between Mogadishu and southern Somalia.

The emergence of a group claiming allegiance to a proposed Southeastern State could deepen political tensions over regional authority and territorial administration. Somalia’s federal system already includes South West State, which considers Lower Shabelle part of its territory.

It remains unclear who established the proposed administration, which communities support it or whether it has sought recognition from the federal government.

If independently confirmed, the loss of Marka would be a serious political and security setback for South West State. It could weaken the administration’s authority in Lower Shabelle and create a new dispute over control of public institutions, security forces and local revenue.

The creation of another armed faction could also complicate operations against Al-Shabaab. Rivalries among government-aligned forces, regional authorities and clan militias may divert personnel and resources from efforts to secure communities and major transport routes.

For civilians, any confrontation over Marka could disrupt transportation, trade and access to essential services. A prolonged military standoff could also cause displacement if federal or regional forces attempt to retake the city.