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Jubbaland’s regional administration has accused Somalia’s federal government of neglecting key national priorities such as fighting al-Shabaab and protecting the country’s unity.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Jubbaland said the federal leadership has failed in its duties on security and governance. Instead, it claimed the government is more focused on short-term political interests that are damaging public trust.
According to the statement, “The salvation of this country lies in national unity and leadership that takes responsibility for Somalia’s future.” Jubbaland warned that unless the federal government shifts its focus back to long-term goals, the country could slide further into instability.
The regional state also expressed support for the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition leaders led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The Forum concluded a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on Sunday, where it raised serious concerns about the current government’s policies. Jubbaland welcomed the Forum’s resolutions, describing them as essential for steering Somalia away from political turmoil.
The Somali Salvation Forum has been openly critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration. It accused the federal government of sidelining the war against al-Shabaab, despite the extremist group remaining one of Somalia’s biggest security threats. Instead of prioritizing the fight against terrorism, the Forum said the government has focused on controversial land sales and other political deals.
The Forum also urged the government to fast-track the process of holding local elections. It emphasized the need for an inclusive political agreement that brings together all regions and stakeholders, warning that continued exclusion would only deepen divisions in the country.
Another major point of contention raised by the Forum was the recent changes made to Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution. The opposition group labeled the amendments as “illegal” and argued they could create conflicting legal frameworks. The Forum warned that such a move risks plunging Somalia into greater instability by fueling disputes over governance and authority.
Jubbaland echoed these concerns, saying the federal government’s approach to governance is eroding trust among both the Somali people and the regional administrations. It argued that the country cannot afford to lose focus on the fight against al-Shabaab, which continues to launch deadly attacks across Somalia.
The group stressed that national unity, inclusive governance, and a clear strategy against extremism should be the government’s top priorities. Without this, it said, Somalia’s fragile progress could easily be reversed.
Somalia has been struggling to rebuild after decades of civil war and political conflict. While progress has been made in certain areas, deep divisions between the federal government and member states like Jubbaland continue to undermine stability. Disagreements over power-sharing, resources, and constitutional reforms have repeatedly slowed down efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.
The ongoing threat of al-Shabaab makes the situation even more urgent. The group, which is linked to al-Qaeda, controls large rural areas and carries out frequent attacks in both urban centers and government-held territories. Many critics believe that without stronger cooperation between the federal government and regional states, defeating the militants will remain a distant goal.
Jubbaland’s statement adds to growing pressure on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration to change course. Opposition figures, regional leaders, and civil society groups have all called for the government to prioritize national security and inclusive politics rather than short-term gains.
The Somali Salvation Forum and Jubbaland both say that the way forward must involve dialogue, unity, and a renewed focus on defeating al-Shabaab. They argue that political infighting only benefits extremist groups while leaving ordinary Somalis vulnerable.
As tensions continue to grow, the federal government faces increasing demands to rebuild trust, reverse controversial decisions, and commit to the long-term stability of Somalia. Whether it will take these warnings seriously remains uncertain, but many believe the future of the country depends on it.