Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold announcement, Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced that Jubbaland’s leader, Ahmed Madobe, cannot stand for another term. Barre referenced Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which sets a two-term limit for the presidency. This declaration comes amidst a growing tension in the region, as Madobe seeks to hold onto power.
On Monday in Mogadishu, Barre pulled no punches, accusing Madobe of prioritizing his own interests above the national agenda of Somalia. Barre alleges that Madobe has disregarded previously agreed-upon accords, criticizing the ongoing election procedures in Jubbaland as nothing more than a façade to serve personal ambitions.
“Madobe has not even a smidgen of legality when it comes to conducting the Jubbaland election,” Barre adamantly stated. “An illegitimate process cannot yield a legitimate result.”
Emphasizing the need for impartiality, the Prime Minister specifically called on Jubbaland’s security forces to stay out of these political entanglements. He also issued a stern warning to Madobe about the risks of using Jubbaland’s regional forces for his political games, cautioning him about potential dire consequences.
The backdrop to this political quagmire includes the recent announcement by the Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission, outlining critical dates for the region’s upcoming electoral events. They have mapped out:
– November 18–19: The unveiling of newly appointed Jubbaland lawmakers.
– November 20: The opening for parliamentary Speaker hopefuls to submit their applications.
– November 21: The selection of the Parliament Speakers.
– November 25: The grand finale with the Jubbaland Presidential election.
The political tension between Somalia’s federal government and Jubbaland has evolved into a full-scale drama, especially after Madobe boycotted a recent National Consultative Council (NCC) huddle in Mogadishu. Madobe insists that discussions should also rope in Northeastern State and SSC Khatumo, aligning himself with Northeastern State, which has also given the cold shoulder to the NCC over its disagreement with the federal brass.
This entire political tango resonates more profoundly with the backdrop of Somalia’s pursuit of a more cohesive governance system. The antics unfolding between the federal body and Jubbaland showcase the intricacies and challenges of federalism in Somalia’s distinct context. The broader implications are clear: a missed opportunity for a consolidated approach might exacerbate existing tensions.
In the grand scheme, what matters is how regional governance integrates with national aspirations. As Madobe stands at the crossroads and Barre draws his line in the sand, the unfolding months will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of this region. Only time will tell if this clash results in a strengthening of Somali unity or exacerbates the current divides.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
