Somalia: Govt asks ATMIS to take over Kismayo airport as wrangles with Jubaland escalate

KISMAYO, Somalia - The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) contingent has reportedly rejected directives by the federal government of Somalia to take over management of Kismayo airport, sources said, with Mogadishu keen to block elections in Jubaland state after fallout with Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe.

ATMIS, which is responsible for security responsibilities in parts of Somalia, stated it cannot assume this role as the airport is currently managed by Jubaland authorities, multiple sources confirmed, with the relationship between Mogadishu and Kismayo taking a significant nosedive.

The decision by Mogadishu to take over the airport comes amid reports that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre plans a visit to Kismayo, his native region, and may oppose Jubaland’s anticipated election plans—a development that could escalate tensions both militarily and politically.

Jubaland officials are currently holding an emergency meeting and are expected to issue an official statement soon. The federal government is keen to wrestle the western state of Somalia, which maintains that indirect elections will take place to avoid possible term extensions.

Earlier, the federal ministry of Interior of Somalia rejected the decision by Jubaland to appoint a committee for indirect elections, escalating tensions between Villa Somalia and the Federal Member States.

The ministry, however, lacks jurisdiction to interfere in regional electoral processes. The federal government condemned Jubaland’s move as illegal, warning it could lead to instability and urging adherence to the agreed framework for one-person, one-vote elections.

President Hassan Sheikh of the Federal Government is pushing for a one-person, one-vote election model without full agreement from all parties. This has included amending parts of the Federal Constitution, which has fueled disputes with the Federal Member States.

In the last NCC meeting, which was boycotted by Jubaland, Villa Somalia extended the terms of leaders in three states by one year—a move President Ahmed Madobe strongly opposed as unlawful before walking out of the meeting sometime last month.

Efforts to mediate the conflict have not borne fruits with Madobe insisting on holding indirect elections, arguing that the country is not adequately prepared to conduct universal suffrage elections, which require thorough planning and management.

Besides Jubaland, Puntland has also distanced itself from the new arrangements, noting that there was no proper consultations before constitutional amendments were brought forth for ratification by parliament.

Critics accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of repeating 'previous mistakes' committed by his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, who vehemently pushed for a term extension before he was repulsed by the strong opposition - which Hassan Sheikh was part of.

Hassan Sheikh is facing a torrid moment in the management of the country as he pushes for a shift from a parliamentary system to a presidential model, which functioned last in 1969 before the military administration came in. He is struggling to contain rebellion from some federal member states.

GAROWE ONLINE