Jubaland Accuses Somali Govt of Politicizing Aid and "Consolidating Federal Power

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe announced Monday that his administration will no longer recognize Somalia’s federal government, citing the "politicization of aid" and efforts by the central government to "consolidate federal authority" as the main reasons for the severed ties.

In a speech delivered at a meeting in Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubaland, Madobe accused the federal government of managing national institutions "like a private company" and claimed that it had been undermining regional autonomy in favor of increasing centralized control.

Madobe’s declaration marks a significant escalation in the tension between the Jubaland administration and the government in Mogadishu. The president urged the international community to bypass Somalia’s federal government and engage directly with Jubaland’s regional authorities for humanitarian assistance and development aid. He argued that this would ensure that aid reaches the people of Jubaland without being diverted for political gain.

"We can no longer accept the misuse of aid and the continuous erosion of Jubaland’s rights," Madobe said during the meeting. "The federal government’s actions have been detrimental to the stability and development of our people. We will seek cooperation with international partners who respect our autonomy and the rights of our citizens."

The decision follows years of escalating tensions between the federal government and regional leaders in Somalia, with multiple states expressing concerns over the central government’s increasing control over local affairs.

Madobe’s remarks come at a critical time for Somalia, which is facing numerous challenges, including a prolonged battle against the extremist group al-Shabaab and efforts to stabilize the nation after years of conflict. The political divide between the central government and regional administrations risks further complicating Somalia’s recovery and could impede efforts to strengthen governance and security.

Jubaland's move is likely to strain relations with Mogadishu, which has long considered the central government to have the sole authority over the entire nation. The federal government has yet to respond to Madobe’s comments, but the situation is expected to spark a broader political debate within Somalia.

International donors, many of whom have been involved in aid distribution to Somalia for decades, will now face the challenge of balancing support for the federal government with growing regional dissent. Madobe’s call to bypass Mogadishu in favor of direct dealings with Jubaland may prompt a reevaluation of how aid is allocated in the country.

As Somalia grapples with ongoing political fragmentation, the potential for further divisions among the country's federal member states remains a significant concern for both domestic stability and international efforts to aid the Horn of Africa nation’s recovery.

GAROWE ONLINE