KISMAYO, Somalia (AXADLE) – On a notable Saturday, Jubbaland’s leader, Ahmed Madobe, took a decisive step by naming seven individuals to spearhead his region’s election steering committee.
This group will take charge of organizing and orchestrating the eagerly awaited Jubbaland presidential showdown, although, as of yet, there’s no mark on the calendar for election day.
By pushing forward with this appointment, Jubbaland is making strides in its electoral process, signaling a shift from Mogadishu’s attempts to enforce a commission chosen by the federal government. This strategy has been a significant bone of contention between Mogadishu and Kismayo, illuminating the rift between centralized control and regional autonomy.
The formal appointment paper, dated November 9, reflected President Madobe’s reliance on the Jubbaland constitution. According to its provisions, Jubbaland holds the authority to form its independent electoral institution, thereby conducting its elections free from Mogadishu’s influence.
Just the previous month, a notable rift saw President Madobe stepping away from the National Consultative Forum. This platform was intended to foster dialogue and foster relations between Somalia’s central government and its member regions. The fallout followed a disagreement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concerning election preparations.
The friction stemmed from Madobe’s strong stance against extending his current term by a year, a proposal favored by the federal government alongside their agenda to initiate direct elections in the following year.
While Madobe stood firm in his opposition, states like Southwest State, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug acceded to the extension, even though their existing terms had already breached their original limits.
This unfolding saga reflects deeper debates about power dynamics in Somalia. Centralized authority often clashes with regional aspirations for self-governance. Madobe’s defiance and the contrasting compliance of other states symbolize these tensions, painting a vivid picture of the complex political landscape within Somalia’s borders.
History etches its marks deeper in troubled regions like Jubbaland, where the fight for local governance and autonomy isn’t just political but deeply interwoven with identity and regional pride. In essence, Madobe’s moves resonate with his constituency’s desire for increased regional self-rule amidst a centralized national regime’s efforts to consolidate power.
This latest development is more than just a mere appointment; it’s a declaration, a line in the sand drawn deftly by Jubbaland. As watchers from afar, knowing the backdrop provides clarity: voting bodies and processes might seem bureaucratic, but they’re the frameworks for something much larger—a struggle over who gets to wield real power, and who decides the path forward for Jubbaland and regions similar across the African continent.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
