Growing Tensions Between Northeastern State and Jubbaland: A Call for Collaboration

Garowe (AX) – On a significant Thursday, the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubbaland stepped into the political arena, taking firm stances against what they perceive as the federal government’s alarming trend toward centralizing power. In a joint statement released from Garowe, Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) voiced their concerns, urging for direct, constructive dialogue between Somalia’s international partners and federal member states. Their message was clear: until a national resource-sharing agreement is established, cooperation is essential.

At the heart of their statement lay accusations of the federal government misusing its authority to sideline dissenting states. “The actions taken by the Federal Government to alter the Provisional Constitution without national consensus are unacceptable,” the two leaders argued. They emphasized that such steps contradict the foundational 2012 constitutional agreement, setting a potentially precarious precedent. The leaders insisted, “Somalia’s path to governance and unity must be built on mutual agreement and constitutional legitimacy.”

This summit, held from June 23 to 25 in Northeastern State’s capital, was not merely a meeting but a significant attempt to address pressing issues facing Somalia, including political stability, national security, and intergovernmental relations. Heightened concerns about the federal government’s perceived overreach loomed large, particularly regarding its attempts to centralize power through amendments to the constitution.

One pressing grievance brought to light was the management of Somali airspace. The two leaders accused the federal government—specifically, Mogadishu—of unilaterally administering civil aviation without possessing the proper legal authority. They confirmed the submission of a formal complaint to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations agency dedicated to the regulation of civil aviation, signaling a deepening rift.

Additionally, Deni and Madobe vehemently rejected the recent constitutional amendments imposed by the federal government, calling them illegitimate and executed without any inclusion or dialogue with all political stakeholders. They articulated that any adjustments to the constitution must be a product of broad-based consensus rather than unilateral decisions. It begs the question: how can a nation thrive if its political framework evolves without the input of its people?

The regional leaders also extended their support to the National Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition figures and former leaders who have expressed discontent regarding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration’s decision-making process. Their concerns underscore a pressing issue—what constitutes legitimate governance in a country still navigating the complexities of federalism?

In their statement, they called on the international community to engage directly with federal member states to restore a credible process based on consensus. Deni and Madobe warned that sidelining regions undermines the cooperative foundation integral to Somalia’s federal model. “The only legitimate path forward is to respect the Provisional Constitution as agreed in 2012,” they stated firmly.

This rift comes at a time when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration is ambitiously trying to establish a new political roadmap that includes changes to the electoral model. The administration plans to transition from an indirect voting system to a one-person, one-vote election by 2026. While the federal government argues that these changes will enhance governance, critics—including Deni and Madobe—accuse it of sidestepping regional governments and the parliamentary upper house that represents the states.

Nevertheless, in a show of unity, the summit acknowledged the strides made in counterterrorism efforts. Leaders congratulated their regional forces and local communities on recent battlefield victories over Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants. “These successes illustrate what Somalia can achieve with cohesive, committed, and transparent leadership,” they stated, perhaps unveiling a glimmer of hope amid political conflict. The leaders also called for synchronized operations that strengthen a national approach tackling terrorism.

As they concluded their summit, they urged President Hassan Sheikh to protect the constitutional order and strive towards organizing national elections grounded in collective agreement. They warned of unilateral consequences: if meaningful dialogue remains elusive, Northeastern State and Jubbaland will establish their governance structures as dictated by their regional constitutions.

Since 2012, Somalia has operated under a Provisional Constitution that envisions a federal system. Yet, the document remains vague on crucial issues—resource sharing, jurisdictional authority, and electoral structure—leading to a series of political disputes and power struggles. As Deni and Madobe articulated, any reforms must reflect a spirit of consensus rather than coercive measures.

Ultimately, the summit underscored a significant truth: collaboration and open dialogue remain essential for Somalia’s future. They concluded with a call for ongoing coordination among regional administrations, political stakeholders, and civil society to safeguard the federal charter amid what they described as the erosion of constitutional order.

As we contemplate these events, it’s clear that the path forward is not without its challenges. However, as the leaders passionately affirmed, “All future changes must arise from dialogue, not imposition.” The pressing question remains: can Somalia learn from its past and cultivate a political landscape rooted in unity and shared purpose?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.