Somalia Faces Political Turmoil as Jubaland Joins Puntland in Suspending FGS Ties

KISMAYO, Somalia - After weeks of disagreements, the state of Jubaland has officially cut links with Mogadishu, joining Puntland as two of the five federal states to express dissatisfaction with the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is pushing for consequential constitutional changes.

The administration of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe suspended cooperation with Hassan Sheikh on Sunday after an urgent meeting to discuss the 'harassment' by Mogadishu, which is pushing for direct elections, Garowe Online has learnt.

The decision comes amidst allegations that the federal government is obstructing efforts to liberate several strategic areas from Al-Shabaab in Jubaland and interfering with its constitutional right to conduct free and fair elections.

Jubaland's move underscores the deepening rift between regional states and the federal authorities, signalling potential challenges in Somalia's ongoing fight against insurgency and its political stability.

A statement issued by the federal government earlier had criticised Jubaland’s decision to pick a committee to run indirect polls, arguing that violates agreements reached by the federal and regional leaders on unifying national and regional elections, holding direct elections and appointing a single border and election commission.

The government described the steps taken by President Madobe as “illegal” and claimed his term expired on August 2023. Since then he was in office based on political agreement, the statement argued.

Late last month, the federal government and some regional leaders agreed to hold direct local elections in June 2025, and regional parliamentary and leadership elections in September 2025. It appears Jubaland leadership is determined to hold its indirect elections within the next few weeks.

Hassan Sheikh has been pushing to end the stalemate, including drawing the matter to the attention of President William Ruto of Kenya, who is said to have dispatched a team of mediators to Kismayo. The mediation team is yet to unlock the impasse as the situation remains fluid.

So tense is the conflict that Mogadishu reportedly requested ATMIS forces to take over the management of Kismayo Airport, the interim capital of Jubaland. However, ATMIS has stated it cannot assume this role as the airport is currently managed by Jubaland authorities.

This move comes amid reports that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre plans a visit to Kismayo, his native region, and may oppose Jubaland’s anticipated election plans—a development that could escalate tensions militarily and politically.

Madobe, a one-time ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accuses the federal government of pushing for radical constitutional changes without adequate consultations. To him, direct elections would pave the way for unprecedented term extensions.

Hassan Sheikh, on the other hand, maintains the changes must stand, arguing that the country must embrace the direct democracy where the people choose their representatives on the ballot. The squabbles are likely to have a devastating impact on peacekeeping processes.

GAROWE ONLINE