Jubbaland

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia finds itself entangled in a thorny political conundrum, with rising tensions between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over contentious electoral reforms. This firestorm has forced Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to call for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday, aiming to tackle what has become a seriously divisive cause. Jubbaland's leadership is vehemently opposing federal election plans and champions regional self-governance instead. At the crux of this simmering discord…

Kismayo, September 2023: Jubbaland State and Somalia's federal government have hit a rough patch. Why, you ask? Jubbaland's camaraderie with the central government is on hold. The reason? The tides have shifted due to claims of federal disregard for Somalia's constitution and an apparent lack of respect for Jubbaland's self-rule. "In short, we’re pulling our support until the federal folks start playing by the rules," announced Jubbaland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Sunday. They're throwing shade at the federal squad…

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…

In Kismayo, Jubbaland State's big cheese, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, pulled a surprise move by announcing a brand-new, seven-member Independent Election Committee on Saturday. Tasked with the job of sorting out the nitty-gritty of future elections in Jubbaland, this committee's formation quickly raised eyebrows and triggered a backlash. Critics were swift to voice their concerns, pointing out that the chosen committee members have been cozy with Madobe himself—a fact that hasn't sat well with Somalia's federal government…

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…

Understanding what's at play, let's take the core message of a Kenyan delegation trying to ease the political friction between Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, over the looming election. There's some backstory involving some heavy hitters like former bigwigs from IGAD—Mahbub Moalim and Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey. We've even got Wajir County's own Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow in the mix. Their mission? Play peacemaker and sort out this kerfuffle over inclusion or lack…

**Kismayo (AX)** — Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland State, has extended an invitation to the federal lawmakers from Jubbaland for a consultation gathering in Kismayo. This invitation follows a similar summons from the Northeastern State administration for its own federal parliamentary representatives. In a letter dispatched on Sunday from the Office of the Jubbaland President, officials called upon members from both legislative Houses to assemble in Kismayo, the provisional capital, between November 8 and 11. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his administration's dedication to engaging in dialogue with the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubbaland to mend ongoing political rifts.In a 25-minute discourse on Tuesday evening to lawmakers and regional heads, President Mohamud underscored the significance of harmony and collaboration as the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings press on in Mogadishu."We intend to converse with our brethren holding dissenting views. Should they extend an…

Mogadishu (AX) — The gathering of Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC), which kicked off in Mogadishu on October 2, 2024, hit a snag when attempts to coax Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, back into the fold fizzled out.Madobe made an exit, insisting that Northeastern State and Khatumo's voices must be heard in the discussions. He claimed their omission would undermine the integrity of the elections across Somalia. With Northeastern State's head honcho, Said Abdullahi Deni, sticking to his guns on a no-show stance…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Jubbaland Darwish forces stormed into action in Lower Jubba, launching a sweeping offensive that wrested control from the strong grip of Al-Shabab.With valor and precision, the second battalion of the Jubbaland Darwish army executed a calculated strike on Al-Shabab's positions. In a dazzling display of military strategy, they liberated pivotal villages like Cag Liba, Libaaley, and Dalnaje—strongholds held in a firm clutch by Al-Shabab for ages."The second brigade made significant gains,"…