Recent clashes in Somalia's semi-autonomous Jubaland region are alarming experts, exposing cracks in the country's federal system and creating an opening for extremist militant group Al-Shabaab to gain ground.
Following years of conflict, Somalia is a loose federation of five semi-autonomous member states -- Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West -- that maintain often fractious relations with the central government in the capital Mogadishu.
But ahead of elections next year, Somalia has sought to assert control over its member states, which security analysts said has created gaps for Al-Shabaab infiltration.
READ ALSO: Resolve Somalia's Jubaland issue for regional stability Last week, two Somali soldiers were killed in clashes between pro-government forces and Jubaland loyalists, days after both sides called for mobilisation in the area.
