Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has issued a sharp rebuke of Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe, accusing him of violating constitutional term limits and undermining Somalia’s national unity. Barre’s remarks come as tensions escalate between Somalia’s federal government and the autonomous southern region of Jubbaland.
Barre: Madobe’s Bid is Unconstitutional
Speaking from Mogadishu on Monday, Prime Minister Barre cited Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which restricts presidents to two terms. Madobe, who has held office since 2013, is seeking re-election despite completing his two-term limit.
“Ahmed Madobe lacks the legality to hold the Jubbaland election. This is illegal, and an illegal act cannot produce a legitimate result,” Barre declared.
Barre criticized Madobe for prioritizing personal ambitions over Somalia’s broader national agenda and violating previous agreements designed to foster cooperation between federal and regional authorities.
Warning Against Militarization of Politics
The Prime Minister further urged Jubbaland’s security forces to maintain neutrality in the political arena, warning against their deployment to serve partisan interests. “Regional forces must not be used for political purposes,” Barre cautioned, adding that any such misuse could lead to “serious consequences.”
Jubbaland’s Controversial Electoral Timeline
The Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission has outlined a timeline for the region’s upcoming elections:
- November 18–19: Announcement of newly elected Jubbaland lawmakers.
- November 20: Opening of applications for parliamentary Speaker candidates.
- November 21: Election of the Parliament Speakers.
- November 25: Jubbaland Presidential Election.
The process, however, has been clouded by allegations of illegitimacy. Barre has dismissed the electoral proceedings as a mechanism for consolidating power, while opposition groups have raised concerns about transparency and fairness.
Escalating Federal-Regional Rift
The clash over Jubbaland’s leadership comes against the backdrop of strained relations between the federal government and Somalia’s semi-autonomous states.
Ahmed Madobe recently boycotted a National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, aligning himself with Puntland’s demands to include Puntland and SSC-Khatumo in discussions on Somalia’s electoral framework. Puntland’s boycott stems from its ongoing disputes with the federal government over resource-sharing and political autonomy.
Barre accused Madobe of leveraging the boycott to derail national unity efforts, further widening the rift between Jubbaland and the central government.
The upcoming Jubbaland presidential election could mark a turning point for Somalia’s fragile federal system. With federal authorities questioning Madobe’s legitimacy and the Jubbaland administration forging ahead with elections, the situation threatens to deepen existing political fractures.
For now, the Prime Minister has issued a stern call for adherence to constitutional norms and neutrality among security forces, framing the stakes as not just a regional power struggle but a test of Somalia’s commitment to democratic principles and national cohesion.
The countdown to November 25 has begun, but the question remains: will this electoral showdown pave the way for stability or plunge Somalia into further discord?
Somali Presidency Accused of Funding Propaganda Against Jubbaland Leader Madobe
