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Somalia’s international partners have expressed serious concern over growing tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State. These concerns have been amplified by Jubaland’s recent decision to boycott the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a platform vital for fostering collaboration and resolving disputes among federal member states.
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s walkout from an NCC meeting in October further highlighted the strained relationship between the two entities, raising fears over Somalia’s fragile state-building efforts.
International Partners Call for Dialogue and Reconciliation
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, 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—urged Jubaland to re-engage with the NCC.
“We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive and inclusive discussions on the electoral process,” the statement said. “Jubaland State is urged to return to the NCC for open discussions of all outstanding issues and to restore ties with the FGS.”
The coalition also emphasized the importance of avoiding provocations and pursuing dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
The NCC, established as a forum to address governance, resource-sharing, and electoral reforms, has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s state-building process. However, Jubaland’s absence has raised concerns among international observers about the council’s ability to resolve key disputes.
The FGS-Jubaland rift has exposed vulnerabilities in Somalia’s federal system, with disagreements over electoral frameworks and governance structures becoming recurring obstacles.
Jubaland’s Independent Electoral Process
Despite calls for unity, Jubaland has moved forward with its independent electoral timeline. The Jubaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission began electing new lawmakers on November 18 and 19. These will be followed by the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers on November 21 and a presidential election on November 25.
Jubaland’s unilateral approach has drawn criticism from the federal government, which accused the state of undermining agreements on a unified electoral process. Analysts warn that this division could destabilize Somalia’s political landscape further.
Commitment to Electoral Reforms and National Stability
International partners reiterated their support for Somalia’s democratic aspirations, particularly advancing universal suffrage. They stressed the need for inclusive, widely accepted electoral reforms within a viable timeline.
“Ensuring national security and stability is paramount to the success of these efforts,” the statement read, emphasizing the importance of broad public and political support for reforms.
Call for Unity Amid Critical Political Juncture
Somalia’s state-building efforts are at a critical juncture. The success of the NCC hinges on cooperation between the federal government and member states, making Jubaland’s participation essential.
“We remain committed to supporting Somalia’s journey toward peace and prosperity,” the international coalition concluded, urging Somali leaders to prioritize dialogue over division.