MOGADISHU, Somalia – Stirring the pot of political strife, Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre of Somalia declared Monday that Jubbaland’s President, Ahmed Madobe, can’t legally run for another term, as per the regional charter’s term restrictions.
At a press event in Mogadishu, Barre expressed, “The maneuvers of President Madobe do not sync with our overarching goals for national unity or the pledges we’ve embraced. Thus, the election process unfolding in Jubbaland, under his direction, lacks any legal standing.”
Barre’s remarks directly challenge the timeline recently rolled out by the Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which suggests:
- November 18-19: Announcement of new Jubbaland lawmakers.
- November 20: Launch of applications for the parliamentary Speaker role.
- November 21: Election of Parliament Speakers.
- November 25: Presidential election in Jubbaland.
The Prime Minister also laid down the law by advising the local security forces to steer clear of political entanglements. “If President Madobe attempts to sway the election through these forces, it will incur serious consequences,” Barre warned.
The rift between the federal government and Jubbaland has deepened with Madobe’s potential withdrawal from the National Consultative Council (NCC) talks because he demands that Northeastern State and SSC Khatumo be included. As Northeastern State already boycotts NCC activities over federal disputes, this further complicates matters.
Having helmed Jubbaland for nearly twelve years, Madobe remains tight-lipped about the Prime Minister’s claims or the ongoing dispute over whether he can even run again. Political pundits believe this spat might further divide Somalia’s already chaotic political scene.
This federal-government position on Jubbaland’s elections shines a light on the simmering struggle over regional power and federal influence within Somalia’s political stage.
AXADLETM
