Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration reached new heights as Kismayo Mayor Omar Abdullahi Mohamed accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of treason. The dramatic claim has deepened the ongoing political and military standoff, threatening national stability.
Mayor’s Allegations and Symbolic Protest
Mayor Omar Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Faraweyne, made his allegations during a press briefing in Kismayo. He accused President Mohamud of undermining Jubaland’s autonomy and acting against Somalia’s federal principles. In a symbolic act of defiance, Jubaland officials removed President Mohamud’s portraits from public offices, a visible display of the escalating discord.
The allegations follow Jubaland’s First Instance Court issuing an arrest warrant for the President on charges of treason and incitement to rebellion. In response, Mogadishu escalated the conflict by requesting Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, accusing him of conspiring with foreign powers and jeopardizing national security.
Military Tensions Escalate
Amid the political chaos, federal forces, including the elite Haram’ad and Gorgor units, have been deployed to the Ras Kamboni region in Jubaland, a strategically critical area near the Kenyan border. This military buildup coincides with the phased withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), leaving regions vulnerable to threats from militant groups like al-Shabaab.
The deployment has sparked fears of further conflict as Jubaland’s leadership views these moves as an attempt to undermine its autonomy and tighten federal control.
Root of the Dispute: Federalism vs. Centralization
The crisis reflects deep-seated disagreements over Somalia’s federal structure. Jubaland, under President Ahmed Madobe, has resisted efforts by Mogadishu to centralize power and shift to a universal suffrage electoral model. The federal government argues that these reforms are necessary for long-term state-building, while Jubaland views them as an infringement on regional rights.
Madobe’s controversial re-election for a third term in November has exacerbated tensions. The federal government declared the election unconstitutional, while opposition factions in Jubaland conducted parallel elections, further dividing the region.
Jubaland’s Countermeasures
In a move to assert its autonomy, Jubaland recently ordered airlines operating within its territory to coordinate exclusively with its Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. This decision underscores the administration’s intent to challenge federal authority and retain control over key operational sectors.
Calls for De-escalation
The international community, including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and European Union (EU), has expressed concern over the growing crisis. In a joint statement, they urged Somalia’s leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue within the framework of the National Consultative Council.
Neighboring countries, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, are closely monitoring the situation. Both nations have troops stationed in Jubaland and fear that continued instability could destabilize the wider region.
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed joined the calls for restraint. “Somalia’s future depends on cooperation, not coercion,” he stated during a press conference. “Dialogue remains our only path to unity.”
A Fragile Future
As the standoff continues, Somalia faces significant political and security challenges. The fragile federal system is being tested, with implications for governance, national unity, and regional stability. Observers hope that dialogue can prevail before the conflict escalates further.