Somalia’s President Criticized for Undermining Federalism, Meddling in Las Anod-based State

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has yet again been criticised for reportedly sabotaging federalism, one of the fundamental power structures in the country that was cemented in the transitional constitution.

For the last three years, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been accused of interfering with operations of the federal state either through development starvation or manipulation of some leaders to his own benefit or that of Mogadishu.

And former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has yet again criticised Hassan Sheikh’s association with the newly created regional state in Las Anod, fondly known as SSC-Khaatumo, insisting that the level of interference is worrying.

Without giving specific cases of meddling, Sharif Sheikh warned that the federal government's presence in the SSC-Khatumo administration is worrying, adding that there is a need for Mogadishu to allow independent operations in federal states.

“I was the first to contribute financially to the Khatumo State and played a key role in elevating its status. But what we see now is federal govt interference, the marginalisation of traditional leaders, and widespread abuses," said Somalia's ex-president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

The state was created against the wishes of both Puntland and Somaliland, who claim a stake within the region. Somaliland particularly fought local SSC-Khatumo forces in a bloody war that led to imminent separation, supported by Mogadishu.

Hassan Sheikh has also been blamed by both Puntland and Jubaland for what they termed as 'disruption of constitutional order' which led to premature change of the electoral laws in the country. The two states have refused to back the changes.

Further, they accuse him of abandoning the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in the country, arguing that he has diverted his attention to internal politics. Mogadishu has, however, denied the claims, arguing that the federal leaders are not flexible for progressive politics.

GAROWE ONLINE