Somalia: Gov't Plots Military Move to Block Jubaland Election In Kismayo

KISMAYO, Somalia - The political tensions pitting the federal government of Somalia and the regional state of Jubaland could further escalate, with sources hinting that Villa Somalia could deploy troops to Kismayo, the regional administrative capital of the region.

Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe has been critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of failing to embrace dialogue on the model of elections, adding that the country is not ready for universal suffrage.

As a remedy, Jubaland has gone ahead with preparations for the indirect elections, leading to the current standoff. Madobe argues that the one-person-one vote elections would lead to automatic term extensions for federal and state leaders against the constitutional tenets.

Multiple sources told Garowe Online that to flex muscles the state leadership, the office of Hamsa Abdi Barre intends to deploy troops to the strategic port city of Kismayo via sea, a move that could further escalate tensions.

Hamza Abdi Barre served as the chairperson of the Jubaland Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission in 2019-2020 under Ahmed Madobe before being appointed as Somali PM in 2022 by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

This came after President Hassan Sheikh appointed ex-Jubaland Intelligence chief, a close relative of Ahmed Madobe, as SNA's ground force's commander and the bouncing back of General Rageh Odowaa known for attacks on opposition leaders during Farmajo's term as new army boss.

It is during the Farmajo era that Odowaa is said to have closely worked with Ethiopian troops to antagonise Madobe with direct instructions from former National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA) Director Fahad Yasin, who was keen to have Madobe removed.

On Monday in Kismayo, federal MPs from Jubaland called on the federal government to stop interfering in Jubaland's affairs, including its elections, and cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Federal State and divide the community.

Barre hails from Jubaland and is keen to whip the state to his side but this can only happen if he manages to put Madobe on his toes. For the last three weeks, Barre's efforts to bring order in Jubaland have been futile and the military interventions seem to be the next strategy.

During Hassan Sheikh’s time in opposition, the military refused to protect Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, who was keen to misuse them for his prolonged stay in power. On several occasions, mutiny was staged by rebel soldiers, who warned against term extensions.

GAROWE ONLINE