Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia’s dynamic political sphere, the Himilo Qaran political party, helmed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has shown its support for Jubbaland State’s recent electoral committee establishment, a decision met with a mix of applause and controversy. Despite the federal government’s disapproval, this bold move symbolizes a significant shift in regional governance.
On Sunday, Himilo Qaran rolled out a statement that gave a thumbs up to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the leader of Jubbaland. Madobe’s initiative in forming a seven-member Independent Election Committee was praised as a forward-thinking measure aimed at bolstering regional self-governance. The party went on to criticize what it describes as the federal government’s overbearing stance towards regional administrations, accusing it of crippling their autonomy. Expressing concern, Himilo Qaran cautioned against purported federal strategies that might stoke unrest in Jubbaland, warning that such actions could undermine the delicate balance of stability and urging for prudence and respect.
Meanwhile, Jubbaland’s unilateral decision to set up its own election committee wasn’t just quietly noted; it triggered a critical response from Somalia’s federal Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry did not mince words, branding the move as unlawful and suggesting it could derail the nation’s democratic journey. “It’s a stark deviation from our collective path,” an official stated, pointing out the potential fractures caused by such divergent actions.
In a swift counter-narrative, the ministry appealed to Jubbaland to get back on track with a strategy laid out by the National Consultative Council (NCC). This recent coalition, fronted by such figures as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside three other regional heads, is determined to streamline elections across Somalia through a unified suffrage model. According to NCC spokespersons, “Our vision is one: fair and cohesive elections across the board by 2025.”
This scenario brings to light the complex layers of governance in Somalia—a nation still piecing together its identity and future. The central conflict seems to revolve around the tug of war between central oversight and regional independence, each with its staunch advocates. On one side, there’s a firm belief in the power of regions to govern themselves, to nurture embryonic democracies that might blossom under local guidance. On the other, there’s a palpable fear of fragmentation, a caution against deviations that might destabilize the federation and its quest for unity.
Analysts watching this labyrinthine political landscape suggest that Jubbaland’s actions may signal a broader appetite for regional control of elections, a sentiment not unique to them. “Every region has its unique challenges and needs,” remarked a political commentator familiar with Somali affairs. The ongoing debate underscores a natural tension in federal systems—balancing the desire for local voices against the need for national coherence.
The stakes are high, and the rhetoric charged, but these growing pains may very well reflect Somalia’s journey towards a more nuanced democracy. As negotiations and dialogues advance, keen observers and stakeholders alike remain watchful, recognizing the potential for both growth and setbacks in these unfolding chapters. Whether Jubbaland’s move becomes a precedent or an outlier will likely depend on how dialogue and diplomacy unfold in the coming months, as regional leaders and the central government find their footing on this precarious political tightrope. The world watches, understanding that in these decisions lie the handful of paths Somalia might traverse.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
