Jubaland leader’s trip to Nairobi stirs divisions in Villa Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - Sources say Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe's recent 'unauthorized' trip to Kenya has triggered divisions in Villa Somalia, which could further threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa nation.

Multiple sources confirmed that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre could be at loggerheads with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with the two differing on the action to be taken against Kenya, which hosted Madobe without clearance.

The Jubaland leader cut ties with Mogadishu after a controversial indirect poll, in which he secured his third term, despite instructions from Villa Somalia advocating for universal suffrage elections. Hassan Sheikh wants leaders to be elected directly.

To punish Kenya for insulating Madobe, Barre reportedly wants Somalia to ban the importation of Khat (Miraa) from Kenya, in addition to expelling Kenya's envoy in Somalia. However, the strategy has been ruled out by those in the presidency.

Barre also wants Ambassador Jibril Abdulle recalled to Somalia over Kenya's decision to facilitate Madobe. However, Mohamud is against the actions, seeing them as a threat to stability in the East Africa Community region.

Somalia reinstated bilateral ties with Kenya in 2023 after President William Ruto came to power and since then, it has dropped sanctions imposed on Miraa trade. But Barre believes such sanctions if imposed, would pressure Kenya to desist from 'internal interference' of Somalia issues.

Sources within Villa Somalia disclosed that the Somali leadership could not reach an agreement on how to respond to Kenya’s actions, leaving many in the upper echelons of the Somali federal government disillusioned and frustrated by the lack of unity and decisive action.

Both Mohamud and Barre are against Madobe, for whom Mogadishu has issued arrest warrants for disobeying electoral laws. However, Madobe insists the current federal government leaders are keen to extend their terms through the implementation of direct polls.

Kenya uses Jubaland as a buffer zone in the fight against Al-Shabaab, developing close ties in the process. Barre hails from Jubaland and has previously been questioned on his inability to 'handle' Madobe.

GAROWE ONLINE