Jubbaland Cabinet Charges Federal Government with Politicizing Aid and Aviation
In a notable twist of events out of Kismayo, tensions have flared between the Jubbaland State cabinet and Somalia’s federal government over serious allegations involving international humanitarian aid. Jubbaland authorities are pointing fingers, saying that aid meant to support their vulnerable communities is being rerouted to bankroll regional conflicts.
The unsettling claims were aired during a gathering in Kismayo last Thursday, where it was asserted that instead of reaching those in need, these crucial resources have been manipulated to fuel skirmishes across Jubbaland. “It’s like delivering peace offerings only to see them spark wars,” one official was quoted as saying.
This situation unfolds while the central government has been seen taking steps to provide aid. Recently, they delivered what seems to be a hefty consignment of food — 300 tons out of a larger 700-ton donation from the friendly UAE — aimed at alleviating food insecurity in Jubbaland.
Extending their grievances, the Jubbaland cabinet also lashed out at the Somali Civil Aviation Authority. They allege it’s been embroiled in political games, significantly affecting air travel by halting civilian flights out of Jubbaland’s airports. This, they claim, has been spurred by federal pressure on airlines to steer clear of Jubbaland skies, further intensifying the strain between the state and the central authorities.
The tale doesn’t end there. Development projects, crucial for any region’s growth, have reportedly slammed into a brick wall. Jubbaland states that federal authorities have hit the pause button on these initiatives, leaving the region stalling in its developmental tracks.
To delve into the roots of this ongoing saga, the plot thickens back to November 2024. That was when Jubbaland dramatically pulled the plug on cooperating with Mogadishu, instigated by a heated tiff over local election proceedings. As the dust settled, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe was re-elected, claiming a third term as president of Jubbaland. This move widened the rift, signifying a frosty chapter in the Jubbaland-Mogadishu relationship.
Jubbaland stands as one of the five semi-autonomous states dotting the Somali landscape, sharing critical border lines with Kenya and Ethiopia. This geopolitical location means that the region is akin to a critical puzzle piece in the broader schema of Somali governance. However, the recurring friction between the regional and federal layers crafts a vivid picture of the intricate challenges faced by Somalia’s federal structure. Here, clashing political ambitions often throw a spanner in the works, derailing strides to stave off humanitarian crises and spearhead development efforts.
In the grander scheme, this scenario sheds light on the delicate balance of power and the daunting hurdles within Somalia. Despite the hurdles, there’s an undercurrent of hope that dialogue and cooperation might eventually bridge the gaps, promoting a harmonious federal state that works uniformly for the welfare of all its citizens. And there, perhaps, lies the crux of the matter — the elusive quest for unity amid diversity.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
