MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Jubaland reached a new peak on Sunday when the regional administration unilaterally established an election commission, drawing a sharp condemnation from Mogadishu, and swiftly severed ties with the federal government.
Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe withdrew from the National Consultative Council talks last month, citing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s proposal for unified state elections under a single commission in 2025. Madobe argued that the plan would effectively extend the terms of regional leaders, which he deemed unconstitutional.
On Sunday, Jubaland became the second regional state to sever ties with the Somali federal government, following Puntland’s similar move earlier this year. Both regions have accused the federal authorities of undermining the constitution and overstepping their constitutional authority.
Ahmed Madobe remains determined to proceed with an indirect election in Kismayo, mirroring the process that led to his re-election in 2019. At that time, he clashed with the government of then-President Mohamed Farmajo, which sought to oversee the election. However, Madobe conducted the vote according to his own preferred method, defying federal oversight.
Last week, Madobe stirred a political storm in Mogadishu by orchestrating the resignation of three federal cabinet ministers from his region. Within hours, he summoned federal MPs from Jubaland to Kismayo for a round of consultations, further escalating the crisis.
On Sunday, Madobe engaged in discussions with federal MPs to address the ongoing stalemate and chart a way forward. On the same day, the Jubaland regional parliament ratified his controversial election commission, deepening the rift with the federal government.
Local media reported on Sunday that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was considering sending Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, a Jubaland native, to Kismayo. The government also urged African Union peacekeepers stationed in the region to take control of the town’s airfield, but the mission refused, stating that airport operations were under the authority of the regional government and outside their mandate.
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