In a compelling turn of events in Kismayo, Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe, emerged victorious in the Jubaland presidential election with a notable 55 votes out of 75 cast by the regional parliamentarians. It was a gripping contest involving two other hopefuls, Abubakar Abdi Hassan and Faisal Abdi Matan, who managed to secure 4 and 16 votes, respectively.
The official word came straight from the Jubaland Electoral Commission, confirming Madobe’s win and signaling a new chapter for the state. In a gracious show of sportsmanship, both Hassan and Matan conceded defeat and extended their congratulations to Madobe on his re-election for the upcoming five-year term.
“I stand ready to collaborate with Jubaland’s president-elect, Ahmed Madobe,” stated an optimistic Abubakar Abdi Hassan. Faisal Abdi Matan, echoing a similar sentiment, declared, “The election result was just, and I accept the outcome.”
Today’s election saw the participation of 75 members from Jubaland’s Parliament, a gathering of representatives from various clans, casting their pivotal votes. Yet, the road to this election wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. The Somali Federal Government had previously expressed strong reservations regarding the election process.
In the aftermath of his victory, Madobe took to the podium to articulate a vision of reconciliation for his people. Reflecting on the past since 2013, he acknowledged the challenges faced by his administration, including armed conflicts, which he claimed were tackled through concerted reconciliation efforts.
Addressing tensions with the Somali Federal Government, Madobe minced no words as he accused them of sowing discord and undermining the state’s governance. “Jubaland is firmly Somalian—not Kenyan or Ethiopian territory,” asserted Madobe. He recalled how, back in 2019, the federal government had leaned on Kenya and Ethiopia to isolate Jubaland. “Now Hassan Sheikh’s government seems to be stirring the same pot,” Madobe noted, emphasizing his openness to dialogue. “Hassan Sheikh, let’s talk. I am Somali through and through.”
The rhetoric took a sharper turn as Madobe criticized the Somali Federal Government, particularly President Hassan Sheikh, of employing military force as a tactic to destabilize Jubaland and stir potential civil conflict. Additionally, he accused them of sabotaging efforts against Al-Shabaab, a militant group wreaking havoc in the region.
While reflecting on his military prowess, Madobe underscored his dedication to peace over conflict, stating, “Though my background is steeped in security and military tactics, I consistently choose reconciliation over war.”
The atmosphere at the gathering in Jubaland was electric, with influential voices making their presence felt. Former Puntland Vice President, Abdihakim Amey, made an impassioned plea to other Somali Federal Member States, urging them to hasten their electoral processes without delay, stating, “It’s time for regions with expired mandates to organize their elections.”
Emphasizing constitutional respect, Amey declared, “The federal states hold their own constitutions, and it’s imperative they adhere to their principles.” He also remarked on the limitations within Somalia’s federal structure, declaring, “While Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is the Somali president, he isn’t the constitution. He lacks the authority to extend terms for any federal state or his own.”
Amey concluded his discourse with a compelling call to duty, rallying federal member states to fortify their democratic governance through transparent and fair electoral processes.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
