Somalia's opposition lauds Jubaland president for striking historical deal with his rivals

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Barely two days after reaching a much-needed deal in Nairobi, Jubaland leaders have been commended for their rare "patriotism", after almost eight months of an unprecedented impasse over an election dispute.

Both Abdirashid Hiddig, Abdinasir Seeraar, and Dahir Ahmed Sheikh, who had been critical of Ahmed Madobe, the regional president, signed a deal in a Nairobi hotel on Thursday, in what could redefine the history of Jubaland and Somalia at large.

The three had rejected the outcome of August 2019 polls in which Madobe was declared winner, citing "intimidations, bribery, and rigging" in a protest they had lodged. The agreement was a culmination of behind the scenes dialogue that commenced in October last year.

In a tweet on Thursday, Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame hailed the leaders for their surprise gesture and asked leaders for the Southwest state to also strike a deal for the sake of stability.

And in a swipe at the federal government of Somalia, Warsame questioned the "poor" attitude for reconciliation, arguing that President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has been thriving on unprecedented divisions among political elites.

"I also hope the South West State agreement will be completed," he said, terming the deal "timely" for Jubaland people. "The leaders of the Federal Government are the ones who have reconciled with no one, nor helped Somalis to reconcile either."

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the current leader of Forum for National Parties, termed the deal as "golden" hope for Jubaland people and asked the involved parties to be "honest" and "open" among themselves for the sake of implementation.

The deal, he said, demonstrated Somalia's "potential" to bury the ghosts of "endless cheap politics" for progressive growth. He also commended Galmadug state leaders for a smooth transition after months of stalemate.

Ahmed Duale, the Galmadug former leader, handed powers to Ahmed Kariye alias Qoor Qoor after two months of a standoff. Qoor Qoor had been accused of being a Villa-Somalia sponsored candidate.

Jubaland deal could sabotage the influence of federal leader Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who has largely taken advantage to fuel divisions in the Gedo region, where Madobe, his political rival, is perceived to be unpopular.

In a statement released shortly after signing of the agreement, the three politicians "recognized" Madobe's 2019 victory, adding that "we shall work with the administration for the benefit of Jubaland people".

Also, they pledged to rally for "unity within parliament" and "across the state" as one of the fundamental steps towards steering economic growth. This, they added, "would bring about equitable distribution" of resources.

Topping their agenda further was "concerted effort" in the fight Al-Shabaab Al-Shabaab militants, who control large swathes within Jubaland. Al-Shabaab was earmarked as an "existential" enemy of Jubaland.

In return, Sheikh Ahmed Madobe pledged to form a "government of unity" which shall have representatives from all regions across the state. The opposition will be an integral part of the administration, the agreement notes.

But of more compelling is Ahmed Madobe's decision to forfeit his future political plans. In the next state's elections, Madobe will "not seek" a third term, effectively ending his reign as a regional leader, albeit on paper.

Gedo region which is within Jubaland has been converted to the battlefield between regional forces allied to Madobe and SNA troops, leading to the displacement of civilians. The impasse is likely to end after the truce.

Last week, SNA troops clashed with Jubaland regional forces moments before the deal was sealed. Jubaland enjoys support from Kenya while the federal government of Somalia has received backing from Ethiopians over the Gedo crisis.

GAROWE ONLINE