KISMAYO, Somalia – The escalating discord between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland’s strongman Ahmed Madobe signals a significant political fracture, coming merely a couple of years after they banded together to unseat Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, widely known as Farmajo, in a watershed Somali election.
Their symbiosis during the 2022 elections was undeniable, with a joint aversion to extending terms and advocating for direct polls. Yet, irony alters courses, as these very allies now journey on adversarial paths regarding the echoes of this same debate.
On Monday, Madobe summoned all federal representatives from his domain to Kismayo for a crucial gathering scheduled from November 8th to 11th. The agenda is to delve into the current political climate and forge a cohesive stance addressing the rift with the Federal Government, insiders reveal.
This development surfaces amid whispers of a crack among Jubaland’s lawmakers in Mogadishu, divided over their stance amid escalating political deadlock. Confidential reports describe clashes between Gen. Fartaag, Federal Interior Minister, and various MPs, culminating without resolution.
Diverging from the National Consultative Council (NCC), citing alleged unauthorized amendments in Somalia’s supreme statutes, Madobe now stands estranged, and Sheikh Mohamud finds himself bereft of a steadfast confidant as both camps brace for potential confrontation.
While Sheikh Mohamud advocates for an electoral system allowing citizens to directly choose federal and state dignitaries, Madobe—paralleling his peer in Northeastern State, Said Abdullahi Deni—contends this approach would obstruct electoral timelines, inadvertently escalating tenure extensions.
In a bold maneuver over the weekend, Hassan Sheikh appointed Colonel Khalid Abdullahi Omar, Madobe’s previous intelligence chieftain, as Commander of the Somali National Army (Land Forces), interpreted broadly as a strategic endeavor to amplify influence over Jubaland.
Experts surmise this appointment may eventually compel Madobe to surrender to Mohamud’s dominion, risking the potential forfeiture of his leadership. Although considered a novice, Khalid played a pivotal role in bolstering Madobe’s power.
Tasked with combating the ill-famed Al-Shabaab extremists, Jubaland persists, with Khalid hailed as a pivotal architect of Madobe’s administration’s military advancements, although the threat endures in its domains.
Foreseeing the stakes and envisioning President Mohamud’s drive against him as merely a prologue, Madobe directed two cabinet allies to step down, aiming to stir seismic political tremors in Mogadishu.
In a synchronized retreat, the Deputy Minister of Education and the State Minister of Planning withdrew, casting stark allegations of governmental fund misappropriation meant for insurgency combat.
Anticipating the upcoming Kismayo meetup, Madobe is likely to deliberate on his rift with Mogadishu, exploring prompt remedies. Nonetheless, he staunchly argues in favor of indirect elections, seeking to avert unwarranted extensions.
For Madobe, there’s scant time for thorough preparations for universal suffrage; such a venture demands extensive planning and discourse. He advocates for heartfelt dialogues to preserve national consonance.
Hassan Sheikh’s ascent included pledges to uphold constitutional fidelity. Yet, his maneuvers, or possibly missteps, have triggered estrangement between him and erstwhile allies. Concurrently, he’s engaged in a fierce campaign to oust Al-Shabaab militants dominating vast rural expanses in the central and southern lands.
AXADLETM
