Jubaland Raises Alarm Over Federal Government’s Threat to Somali Federalism

Jubaland state leader Ahmed Madobe - FILE PHOTO

KISMAYO, Somalia – Somalia’s Jubaland regional administration on Saturday accused the federal government of overstepping its constitutional authority and interfering in the affairs of the country’s federal states.

In a statement issued by the Jubaland presidency, the regional state said the federal government’s actions would not change the status of Somalia’s federal states and stressed that it has no power to alter the constitution or the federal structure.

Jubaland emphasized that Somalia’s federal system is based on consensus, and no single party has the authority to make unilateral decisions affecting the federal framework.

The statement said the federal government’s actions risk undermining national unity and violating agreements that established the federal system. It also accused authorities of attempting to weaken regional administrations through political and illegal measures.

Jubaland also condemned recent incidents at the Federal Parliament, describing them as a serious failure of responsibility. It alleged that lawmakers who oppose the proposed constitutional changes, which it said are being pushed by President Hassan Sheikh, have been subjected to physical assaults and intimidation that endangered their lives.

Jubaland reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s unity, upholding the constitution, and protecting the rights of federal states. It urged all Somalis to remain vigilant against any actions that could lead to division or political instability.

The statement stressed that political solutions should be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to the agreed constitution, and rejected any unilateral measures that could undermine the federal system.

GAROWE ONLINE