More than 30 Federal Legislators Convene in Kismayo for Jubbaland Discussion Session
Kismayo (AX) — A cohort of more than 30 Somali lawmakers recently convened in Kismayo for a pivotal meeting orchestrated by Jubbaland’s head honcho, Ahmed Madobe. The agenda? To chew over the fascinating nuances of Somalia’s political landscape and its various storms.
Originally penciled in for Friday, the shindig got rescheduled. Why the delay, you ask? They needed some extra MPs, who were currently chilling outside Somalia, to join the discussions. Clock’s ticking, but better late than never, right?
In a show of strong camaraderie, these legislators threw their weight behind Jubbaland’s perspective, casting a cynical eye on the Federal Government of Somalia’s maneuvers. They were not shy with their words, dubbing it a “tribal conflict,” aimed like an arrow at both Jubbaland and Northeastern State. Their beef? The federal leadership, in their view, was playing divisive games instead of fostering unity, popping destabilizing popcorn in these regions.
Critics from Jubbaland and Northeastern State pulled no punches, outright rejecting the 2026 election framework cobbled together at the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting. They accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of inching towards a sneaky term extension, raising eyebrows about whether this move could provoke further ructions in an already tense environment.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent NCC meeting in Mogadishu saw Madobe make a dramatic exit stage left. His demand? Puloon Northeastern State and SSC Khatumo need a seat at the table, fair and square. This comes amid Northeastern State’s own decision to give NCC meetings the cold shoulder, all tied up in a broader kerfuffle with the central government.
Getting into the nitty-gritty, it’s about more than just playing political chess; this is about the intricate dance of power and influence in Somali politics. We’ve got regional entities clashing with federal intentions, each vying for their slice of the governance pie. Jubbaland and Northeastern State, fierce in their criticism, believe the federal government’s playbook is more about self-serving agendas than any semblance of national cohesion. All these political theatrics have made the need for constructive dialogue louder, starkly highlighting the need for reform in how political talks are handled.
So, what’s the takeaway from this escalating drama? It’s about how dialogue—or the lack thereof—shapes the political climate. That’s the crux. Inclusion, more voices at the table, and transparency, these are not just fancy buzzwords but the bedrock for sustainable peace in Somalia’s future marching forward. Sure, it feels like a tall order when the air is electric with suspicion and distrust, but that’s precisely why it’s so darn crucial to make it happen.
Both regions, feeling like they’re on the sharp end of a political stick, want assurances. They’re essentially waving flags that say: “Hey, let’s ensure everyone gets heard!” After all, who wants a one-sided story when the narrative could be so much richer and more enlightening with varied voices? Departments reaching a consensus isn’t about watering down demands but finding a common ground where everyone’s toes can curl in delight.
There’s skepticism if this big pow-wow will yield tangible resolutions or just more politicking. History has taught us to approach such grand meetings with cautious optimism and a shovelful of salt. Yet the flicker of hope suggests we might just see a new dawn where Somali politics embraces diversity of opinion and inclusivity over insular interests.
The proverbial ball is in the court. So Somalia, will it be checkmate or a stalemate? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the next scene in this unfolding politico-drama.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring