Jubaland Aligns with Northeastern State in Severing Ties with Somalia’s Federal Government, Sparking Political Unrest
KISMAYO, Somalia – Recent weeks have witnessed a stormy political landscape in Somalia, as Jubaland has decided to walk away from its relationship with Mogadishu. Alongside Northeastern State, it becomes the second of the five states to voice dissatisfaction with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership and his push for significant constitutional reforms.
The leadership of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe in Jubaland halted collaboration with the federal government, declaring an end to cooperation following a crucial meeting addressing allegations of ‘harassment’ by Mogadishu, which is advocating for polling reforms. Reports from Axadle illuminate the escalating tension.
The backdrop to this decision includes accusations against the federal government for hindering attempts to reclaim vital territories from the terrorist grip of Al-Shabaab within Jubaland, and infringing on its sovereign right to fair and impartial elections.
This step taken by Jubaland sharpens the already existing friction between regional governments and the central authority, forecasting potential impediments in Somalia’s endeavors to combat insurgency and sustain its political stability.
Previously, the central government voiced disapproval toward Jubaland’s intent to establish a committee for overseeing indirect elections, claiming it breaches earlier agreements to synchronize national and regional voting, hold direct polls, and appoint a unified electoral commission.
Labeling President Madobe’s actions as unlawful, the government insists that his mandate lapsed in August 2023 and any continuation in office rests solely on a political understanding, as stated in their official announcement.
Last month’s political dialogues between the federal authority and some regional entities laid groundwork for direct local elections in June 2025, followed by regional legislative and executive elections in September the same year, though Jubaland seems eager to fast-track its own indirect elections soon.
In his attempt to break the deadlock, Hassan Sheikh has even engaged President William Ruto of Kenya, seeking intervention. However, the diplomatic efforts remain in progress with no resolution visible as tensions maintain their grip.
The dispute has intensified to a degree where Mogadishu reportedly sought ATMIS forces to operate Kismayo Airport, the temporary capital of Jubaland. ATMIS, however, clarified its inability to fulfill this duty since the airport remains under Jubaland’s management.
This development surfaces amidst speculation about Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s potential trip to Kismayo, his place of origin, possibly to challenge Jubaland’s planned electoral activities, a move that could raise the stakes both politically and militarily.
Though once a staunch ally to President Hassan Sheikh, Madobe now criticizes the federal leadership for advocating drastic constitutional shifts without sufficient discourse, viewing direct elections as a prelude to unwarranted power extensions.
Conversely, Hassan Sheikh insists on the necessity of these reforms, asserting that the nation must transition to a system where the populace directly elects their leaders. The friction over these competing visions threatens to disrupt ongoing peacekeeping efforts.
AXADLETM
