Somalia’s international partners have expressed growing alarm over the escalating tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State, urging an immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue. The discord deepened after Jubaland’s boycott of the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a platform crucial to fostering collaboration among federal and state leaders.
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s walkout from an NCC meeting in October underscored the widening rift between the regional administration and Mogadishu. This latest standoff threatens Somalia’s fragile state-building efforts, as disputes over governance, resource-sharing, and electoral processes intensify.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, Somalia’s international partners, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and regional actors such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, emphasized the need for Jubaland to rejoin the NCC.
We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive and inclusive discussions on the electoral process,” the statement read. “Jubaland State is urged to return to the NCC for an open discussion of all outstanding issues and to restore ties with the FGS.
The NCC, established to resolve disputes between Somalia’s federal government and its member states, plays a critical role in addressing contentious issues, including governance structures and electoral reforms. Jubaland’s absence weakens the council’s ability to function effectively, raising concerns among international observers.
Jubaland’s independent electoral process has further strained relations. Its Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced timelines for parliamentary and presidential elections, with lawmakers set to be elected on November 18 and 19, followed by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections on November 21. The presidential election is scheduled for November 25.
This unilateral approach has drawn criticism from the FGS, which accuses Jubaland of undermining national unity by disregarding agreements on a unified electoral framework.
The international community underscored its support for Somalia’s democratic aspirations, particularly the transition to universal suffrage.
International partners support Somalia on advancing its state-building agenda, including the ambition of progressively moving towards one-person, one-vote elections through increasingly inclusive and participatory voting systems,” the statement read.
The coalition called for broad-based political and public support for electoral reforms, urging leaders to focus on achievable processes within a realistic timeline. They emphasized that national security and stability are foundational to Somalia’s democratic progress.
Recurring disputes between Mogadishu and regional states like Jubaland highlight the vulnerabilities of Somalia’s federal system. Analysts warn that Jubaland’s prolonged absence from the NCC could exacerbate political instability, undermining efforts to build consensus on key national issues.
Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s information minister, noted that while diplomatic engagement remains critical, the need for mutual trust between federal and regional authorities is paramount.
The success of the NCC depends on the active participation of all federal member states,” he said. “Without Jubaland’s engagement, the council risks becoming ineffectual.
The international partners’ joint statement reflects the urgency of the situation, urging Somali leaders to prioritize dialogue over division. The coalition concluded:
We remain committed to supporting Somalia’s journey toward peace and prosperity. Now is the time for dialogue, unity, and cooperation.
As Somalia navigates a pivotal period in its state-building process, resolving the FGS-Jubaland impasse will be essential to advancing democratic reforms and ensuring long-term national stability. The stakes are high, and Jubaland’s re-engagement in the NCC will be a litmus test for Somalia’s ability to overcome internal fractures and build a cohesive federal system.
