Somalia: Int'l partners praise Jubaland leaders for historic deal

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The deal between Jubaland leaders is a helpful step towards solving post-election feud, international partners said on Tuesday, just a week after President Ahmed Madobe signed an agreement with opponents, eights months after his re-election.

Both Abdirashid Hiddig, Abdinasir Seeraar, and Dahir Ahmed Sheikh, who has been robustly critical of Madobe, signed the deal in a Nairobi hotel on April 23rd, in what could redefine the history of Jubaland and Somalia at large.

Among others, the three protagonists "recognized" Madobe's August 2019 victory and pledged to help in the formation of a unity government. The move, they added, would help tackle the Al-Shabaab menace in Somalia.

But Madobe, a former Ras Kamboni Brigade commander and a close ally of Kenya Defense Forces [KDF], had to compromise with his political future, pledging to bow out of politics once his second term comes to an end.

And the deal has now attracted interest from the international partners, who play critical roles in the rebuilding of Somalia, a move that technically locks out persistent interference from the federal government, which has refused to recognize Madobe's administration.

Persistent electoral disputes in member states, a statement signed by the partners noted, "underscore the importance of credible electoral processes" in which Somalis may choose their leaders in accordance with existing constitutions.

Jubaland stakeholders, including political leaders and elders, should build upon the agreement, implement follow-up steps and continue their constructive dialogue, the team said, acknowledging the "willingness" by Jubaland to also collaborate with the federal government.

Federal President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has been engaged in unending squabbles with Madobe, leading to fierce clashes in the Gedo region. The regional leader accuses Farmajo of "secret plot" to establish a parallel administration within Gedo, northern Jubaland.

But the partners insist that the two administrations should "peacefully" resolve their continuing differences through "dialogue" and to de-escalate the ongoing tensions in the Gedo region. Several people have been displaced from the region in the last four months.

The impasse, Washington had warned, could give room for Al-Shabaab resurgence, subsequently eroding gains made in the fight against the violent Islamist group. Further, the tension almost put KDF and ENDF at opposing sides, a move which could sabotage AMISOM efforts.

While observing the difficulties of initiating the much-needed unity deal in Somalia, the partners insisted that "we are ready to provide the necessary support to the FGS and all FMS leaders" as they strive for reconciliation and cooperation to advance national interests.

"In this regard, partners also welcome other recent reconciliation initiatives, in particular in South West State and Galmudug, aimed at forming inclusive, unified state-level administrations. We urge that these efforts continue throughout Somalia for the benefit of the people," added the statement.

For months, regional leadership has faced numerous challenges, with leaders pointing an accusing finger to Farmajo, who they claim is "keen to install his loyalists" as presidents in a strategy aimed at "rigging" the much anticipated December polls.

But Farmajo has often denied the claims, arguing that it's the people of Somalia who would determine their future. Stakeholders are in talks over the possible electoral model and the constituency boundaries, although the current COVID-19 pandemic has almost grounded preparations.

The international partners also asked Somalis to "foster unity and reconciliation as they begin the Holy month of Ramadan while facing not only the unprecedented menace from COVID-19 but also the continuing threat from terrorism."

Due to its strategic location in the West, Jubaland is used as a buffer zone by KDF in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a move that underscores Kenya's role in brokering the deal with the warring parties. The agreement will now allow the fresh composition of a cabinet by Madobe.

GAROWE ONLINE