Kismayo, with its sun-drenched streets and a vibrant tapestry of cultures, is currently a site of political intrigue. In a recent session held in this bustling city, the regional parliament of Jubbaland made a decisive move. On what seemed like an ordinary Thursday, they voted to grant President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe an additional three months to form his cabinet, a decision that resonates with layers of strategic depth.
The parliamentary session, attended by a mere 47 members—though small in number, was significant in impact. They cast a unanimous vote in favor of extending Madobe’s time. Unanimous decisions are rare in political arenas, are they not? Yet, here it was, echoing a collective agreement—or perhaps a reluctance to express dissent? The Speaker of Parliament confirmed the results, indicating not a single voice was raised in abstention or opposition.
In this labyrinth of political maneuvers, one might wonder: What fuels the delay in forming Madobe’s cabinet? Some speculate it is the deepening chasm between the Jubbaland administration and Somalia’s federal government. Others whisper of internal opposition from local clans, unwilling to embrace Madobe’s continued leadership.
Here lies the tension, thick as the humid coastal air itself. Relations between Mogadishu and Jubbaland have soured in recent months. The federal government’s recent decisions—a ban on flights to Jubbaland, the suspension of crucial subsidies—act as both signal and consequence of this escalating discord. Development projects stand at a halt, as if paused mid-breath, amplifying the strain between the two sides.
The roots of this standoff delve deep into the political soil of last year. President Madobe took a stand, withdrawing from the National Consultative Council. His refusal to accept proposals for a one-person, one-vote electoral system set the stage for his indirect re-election—a process frowned upon, even shunned, by the federal government.
We find ourselves asking, how crucial are these direct elections? President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud seems to think them vital for Somalia’s democratic awakening. He champions a transition away from the entrenched clan-based, indirect electoral model. “Democracy,” he has said, “is built on the votes of individuals, not the choices of clans.”
Yet, Jubbaland resists, fiercely guarding its constitutional autonomy against what it perceives as overreach. The proposed electoral changes, they argue, threaten the essence of Jubbaland’s governance. Are these fears rooted in genuine concern for regional stability, or do they mask other ambitions? It’s a question worth pondering.
Politics, like the Kismayo waves lapping at the shore, is ever-changing, shaping the land it touches. In the midst of these turbulent times, the region stands at a crossroads. Will they find a path forward that honors both autonomy and unity, or will division widen the gulf between regional and federal governments?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
