Somalia: US hails Madobe for unity deal, warns against sluggish implementation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The recent deal between Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and three other competitors was timely, the US has said, joining several other stakeholders, who have recommended it for speedy implementation.

Ambassador Donald Yamamoto said the new development within Jubaland provides for an "honest" opportunity for proper dialogue and reconciliation, adding that the good gesture should be replicated across Somalia.

Just like Jubaland, states such as Galmadug, HirShabelle, and Southwest have been experiencing political quagmire due to contentious electoral processes, which are often marred with violence, vote-rigging, and federal government interference.

The Jubaland deal, Yamamoto said, should be urgently be implemented as a sign of maturity in the region, which has struggled to solve a political crisis for almost eight months. Madobe was declared the winner in August 2019 amid rising opposition from his critics.

“Amb Yamamoto and US embassy in Somalia welcomes the Jubaland agreement as a starting point for dialogue between President Madobe and other leaders to build a representative administration," read a tweet from the embassy.

The deal, the US said, should also be emulated in the future dialogue between the Federal Government and member states, whose strained relationship has affected service delivery. The US is a major financier of development in Somalia besides helping in combating terrorism.

"We call for full implementation of the pact and inclusion of all Jubaland stakeholders. Unity and reconciliation for Somalia," read the statement, which now fully commits the US to the Jubaland leadership, months after the denial.

Last week's deal which was brokered in Nairobi effectively ended President Farmajo's charm offensive in Jubaland, which has been traditionally aided by divisions among local leaders. Farmajo is yet to reconcile with Madobe, a move which is demonstrated by his recent invasion in Gedo.

Madobe has since left for Kismayo, Wednesday, following months of negotiations in Nairobi. Both Kenya, Puntland President Said Deni, and the US played a critical role in ending the political conflict albeit on paper.

While addressing the media upon arrival at Said Mohamed Airport, Madobe asked residents to "embrace" one another for the sake of "unity" in Jubaland, adding that "I am committed to working with all partners to stabilize our state".

He added: "Elections come and go but our people remain. We should avoid acts that are meant for transient political gains at the expense of people. Our unity is key, it's what should worry us and we must defend it at all costs."

Both Abdirizak Hidig, Abdinasir Seeraar, and Dahir Ahmed Sheikh, who were fierce critics of Madobe, endorsed the plans to back the Jubaland administration, besides promising to "recognize" Madobe's August 2019 poll victory.

The three protagonists also promised to "do anything within our reach and flush out Al-Shabaab militants from Jubaland". It's not immediately clear on what positions they will hold in the government of regional unity but they are set to be incorporated.

But for Madobe, apart from agreeing to form the all-inclusive government, had to make "painful" but "fairly good judgment" by pledging to quit regional politics once his second term expires albeit on paper.

Although he did not immediately reveal his future plans, Madobe is set to unveil and all-inclusive cabinet, which will steer development in Jubaland. The unity cabinet comes also at the time Somalia is battling Coronavirus pandemic.

In March, the US warned against deployment of SNA troops in Gedo, arguing that the move was "unnecessary". The clash between Jubaland forces and SNA, it added, could pave room for Al-Shabaab resurgence in the fragile state.

GAROWE ONLINE