Kenya blames "greedy" leaders on Somalia's ongoing political tribulations

NAIROBI, Kenya - Short term political gains contribute to Somalia's contemporary tribulations, which have seen federal government wrestling with member states, Kenya has said, calling for "immediate ceasefire".

Besides Al-Shabaab menace which has literally disoriented efforts to form a functional state in Somalia, persistent squabbles among leaders have technically derailed stabilization efforts, causing anxiety in the process.

In recent weeks, Somalia has accused Kenya of "meddling in its internal affairs", threatening to report the matter to United Nations Security Council. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo recently warned Kenya against interference, arguing that "they have no business in Jubaland".

Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia's ambassador to the UN, also fired cylinders last week in New York, blaming Kenya for "destabilizing" the federal government of Somalia.

But in a statement copied to Somalia embassy and Mogadishu's foreign affairs department, Kenya now blames Somali politicians of "greedy politics" for the current quagmire.

"Kenya is deeply concerned with developments in Somalia that are motivated by transient political considerations but which compromise peacebuilding process," reads the statement.

The federal government has been at loggerheads with member states, who accuse President Farmajo of "interference" for his "political gains" in federal states.

For instance, the recent deployment of SNA troops to Jubaland has irked internal wrangles, with Kismayo threatening to hit back. Also, the signing of Petroleum Law caused ripples, with federal states decrying of "lack of consultation".

And now, Kenya says: "We join international partners in urging FGS to seek urgent consensus and ensure they agree on benchmarks for security and relationship between FGS and federal states".

While Mogadishu insists that it has "obligation" to defend its "borders", deployment of troops in Gedo has attracted condemning, with the US terming it "unacceptable".

More often than not, Somalia has been accusing Kenya, a critical security player, of "protecting" Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who Mogadishu has been plotting to topple.

But Kenya insists both Mogadishu and federal states should divert their resources "in defeating Al-Shabaab and stabilizing Somalia ahead of taking over of security from AMISOM".

Already, AMISOM, in which Kenyan troops serve, has started tactical withdrawal of troops in Somalia, with the first batch of 1,000 soldiers expected to leave by the end of March, Lt. Gen Tigabu Yilma said.

The current impasse between federal states and FGS, erodes gains made in the fight against Al-Shabaab, something that could plunge the country into an unprecedented stalemate, Kenya warns.

"Al-Shabaab remains a major existential threat to both Somalia and neighboring states," reads the statement. "Al-Shabaab should, therefore, remain the primary security focus for FGS and it's core mandate."

For genuine stability in Somalia, the federal government should embrace dialogue with member states to avert possible disintegration of the country, Kenya noted.

The Somalia president has been subjected to criticism, with opposition leaders blaming him for "manipulating" elections in Southwest, Hirshebelle and more recently, in Galmadug.

Last week, Somali National Army [SNA] troops took over Dhusamareb, the administrative capital of Galmadug, after an intensive gunfight with former allies, the Sufi militia group ASWJ.

Instead of focusing on Al-Shabaab, critics say, President Farmajo has been "preoccupied" with "political power" which could eventually give Al-Shabaab more room for dominance.

Forum for National Parties [FNP], has often blamed Farmajo for the political quagmire, at times decrying alleged harassment by the state and muzzling of media freedoms.

This December, it's anticipated that Somalia will hold historical universal suffrage polls, and the electoral law has already been put in place, although rival political parties have disputed its contents.

GAROWE ONLINE