Somalia: Hassan Sheikh Reverses His Stance on Jubaland’s Election Framework

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A political showdown brews in the Horn of Africa nation as Jubaland’s leader, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, turns his back on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s direct election vision. Instead, Jubaland is veering towards holding indirect elections.

Recently, Madobe made a dramatic exit from Mogadishu, declaring that implementing nationwide voting rights would undoubtedly lead to extending presidential terms—a notion that, he insists, contradicts the constitutional term limits.

Proactive in his resistance, Madobe designated a committee to orchestrate the indirect elections soon to unfold. The federal government is livid, labeling the move as a betrayal and unsophisticated step backward.

According to a statement from federal authorities, Madobe’s plan contravenes prior pacts made between national and regional influencers regarding synchronized elections and the establishment of a unified border and election body, as reported by Voice of America.

The government branded Madobe’s actions as “illegitimate,” asserting that his presidency allegedly concluded in August 2023, and he remains in power solely due to political negotiations, the statement elaborated.

Just last month, there was consensus among federal and some regional authorities to pursue direct local elections by June 2025 and regional parliamentary polls and leadership elections in September 2025. Yet, Jubaland seems resolute in their plan to conduct indirect elections in the coming weeks.

Flying to Kenya, President Hassan Sheikh sought support from Kenyan President William Ruto in resolving the deadlock. Kenyan mediators landed in Kismayo, yet reportedly, a settlement remains elusive, potentially jeopardizing the peacekeeping missions.

On Sunday, sources speaking to Axadle revealed the Somali Federal Government’s plea for ATMIS forces to control Kismayo Airport, temporarily the hub of Jubaland. Nevertheless, ATMIS declined, citing that Jubaland’s administration already oversees the airport.

This plea emerges amid speculation about Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s impending visit to Kismayo, his hometown, possibly opposing Jubaland’s election ambitions—a maneuver that might lead to heightened political friction.

An urgent conclave of Jubaland officials is underway, with an official statement anticipated shortly. Notably, Jubaland and Northeastern State resist the notion of direct polls without proper dialogue.

Hassan Sheikh, at Somalia’s helm, advocates for a singular vote per citizen model sans unanimous consent among stakeholders, necessitating tweaks to the Federal Constitution—a move that stirs discord with the member states.

During the last NCC meeting, skipped by Jubaland, Villa Somalia extended tenures of three state leaders by a year—a decision Madobe deemed improper. Once a staunch ally of Somalia’s capital, Madobe now finds himself at odds with Mogadishu amid the escalating rift.

Sheikh’s bold blueprint for constitutional overhaul could transition Somalia from its current parliamentary framework to a presidential system of administration, marking a pivotal transition in the country’s governance.

AXADLETM