Somalia's Jubaland beefs up security in Kismayo amid threats from Mogadishu

KISMAYO, Somalia - Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe had ordered surveillance within Kismayo Airport, Garowe Online understands, following threats by the federal government, which wants the state to halt planned indirect elections.

The Federal Government of Somalia had reportedly ordered for deployment of more security officers within Kismayo, in what was seen as an attempt to allow Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to make his entry and dictate electoral exercise in the state.

But Madobe, who remains unmoved by the federal government's push for universal suffrage elections, increased the presence of troops in the main airport, a move seen as a strategy to repulse possible deployment of elite soldiers to the state.

It is not the first time Madobe has been subjected to pressure from Mogadishu. During Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo's tenure, soldiers from Ethiopia National Defense Forces (ENDF) were denied entry as Mogadishu strategized on the removal of Madobe from office.

Over the weekend, the Jubaland leader established an election team, leading to protests from Hassan Sheikh Mohamud-led administration, which insists the exercise would contravene the agreement reached in the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting that authorized direct elections.

Fresh troops were deployed within the airport and its environs, leading to the recent cancellation of the trip by Hamza Abdi Barre. The PM hails from Jubaland and is said to be frustrated by the hard-line stance of Madobe, who has since cut ties with Mogadishu.

On Tuesday, MPs from both Jubaland and Puntland in Somalia’s parliament declared unwavering support for Jubaland’s right to independently conduct its elections, reaffirming their solidarity with the regional state.

Currently, flights within the state are strictly regulated by security forces who are keen to thwart any plans by the federal government to deploy troops to the state. Madobe, a former Ras Kamboni Brigade leader and fierce Al-Shabaab critic, says the direct polls would lead to term extensions.

Ironically, during his time in opposition, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud defied efforts by his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to hold direct polls but has since significantly shifted his philosophy, supporting the model that has never been in use for over six decades.

Under the new proposals, Somalia shall shift from the traditional indirect system where elders pick leaders to the more modern and revolutionary system— one man-one vote model, which is used in many democracies. But despite the hype, there is no electoral commission in place.

Should this model sail through, analysts say, the country would have to struggle in putting systems in place – including voter registration and civic education. At the moment, biometric technology could be preferred but Somalia may not afford the system.

And this would definitely lead to significant delays and subsequent term extensions, a view held by Puntland state. Both Jubaland and Puntland have since severed ties with Villa Somalia, citing a lack of adequate consultations for the momentous constitutional change proposals.

GAROWE ONLINE