MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a scathing and unprecedented public rebuke, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday accused Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe of colluding with the militant group Al-Shabaab, escalating a bitter political rift between the federal government and the semi-autonomous region.
Barre alleged that Madobe, a former co-founder and senior leader of Al-Shabaab, maintains covert ties to the group, citing suspicions that the Jubaland leader’s military vehicles were allowed to pass through Al-Shabaab-controlled territories during recent clashes in the Lower Juba region.
“There is no doubt that two Al-Shabaab [elements] work together,” Barre declared, insinuating that Madobe remains affiliated with the militant organization.
He further claimed that Madobe’s forces, after attacking the town of Raskamboni last year—where Somali military bases were located—are now planning to transport their military vehicles back by boat, rather than by road, to avoid militant attacks.
The Prime Minister’s remarks mark a dramatic deterioration in relations between the two leaders, who were once allies and even share familial ties. The verbal assault is the most direct and severe Barre has launched against Madobe, reflecting the deepening tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo.
Barre also accused Madobe of intimidating federal MPs from Jubaland, alleging that the regional leader threatened them with violence if they failed to disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
“It is unacceptable to intimidate honorable MPs, to tell them they cannot return to Jubaland unless they instigate chaos ]in parliament],” Barre said. “It is equally wrong to instill fear among residents, warning them not to transit through Mogadishu or risk arrest.”
He added, “I expect these intimidation tactics to cease immediately. These lawmakers deserve respect, not to have a pistol held to their heads.”
In previous comments, Madobe described the Prime Minister as a “young boy” being manipulated to sow discord in Jubaland. He suggested that the real conflict is not with Barre but with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as both leaders vie for support from the Ogaden clan, to which they both belong.
Barre, however, sought to draw a distinction between Madobe and his administration, stating that while he considers Madobe a “criminal,” other members of the Jubaland government are not implicated and are free to travel to Mogadishu without fear of arrest or harassment.
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