Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe explains rift with Somalia’s Federal Government
In an exclusive interview with Abdijalil Osman, a Somali YouTuber, President Ahmed addressed various political issues, including tensions with the central government, Jubaland elections, the Raaskaambooni conflict, and his political future.
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe has provided insight into the growing divide between the regional administration and the Federal Government of Somalia.
In an exclusive interview with Abdijalil Osman, a Somali YouTuber, President Ahmed addressed various political issues, including tensions with the central government, Jubaland elections, the Raaskaambooni conflict, and his political future.
More To Read
Ahmed revealed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had ignored his advice on tackling insecurity in Somalia and dealing with the Al-Shabaab.
He stated that he had given recommendations on addressing Al-Shabaab, but the president chose to overlook them.
He also explained that he left the National Consultative Forum meeting in May 2023 after President Hassan Sheikh suggested that he should extend his term in office, despite the constitutional limits of Jubaland.
According to Ahmed, the president wanted him to stay in power temporarily and oversee a one-person, one-vote election. However, he rejected the proposal for three reasons.
First, he argued that states should conduct their regular elections while supporting the Federal Government's effort to implement a nationwide one person one vote electoral system.
Second, President Hassan suggested that each state nominate six members for an election oversight body, from which he would select two. Ahmed Madobe opposed this, insisting that the electoral commission should be composed of representatives from both federal and state levels, in accordance with the constitution.
Third, he emphasised that governance in Somalia follows a clan-based power-sharing model. Without the inclusion of Puntland and the Sool-Sanaag-Cayn (SSC) region, he believed that the discussions were incomplete.
"The government of Somalia has now become a company operated by selected people. The Prime Minister has no power, and a small group controls his office and makes all the decisions. There is no real government, which is why I left the meeting," he said.
Attempts to reconcile differences
Following his departure, representatives were sent to persuade him to return to discussions, with offers of financial incentives. However, he declined these offers, stating that he was too experienced to accept such deals.
In an effort to resolve the disagreement, the Somali government reached out to Kenyan officials to intervene. President Hassan traveled to Kenya and discussed the issue with President William Ruto. Ahmed Madobe also met with President Ruto and explained his position.
"The government of Kenya tried all it could to bring a solution, and I am thankful to President Ruto," Ahmed said.
Despite these efforts, he accused the Somali government of obstructing any progress toward reconciliation. He claimed that President Hassan is trying to extend his term and consolidate power through a sham one person one vote election.
Addressing the issue of elections in Jubaland, Ahmed Madobe alleged that some candidates were bribed by the federal government and convinced not to participate. After the elections, the Federal Government refused to recognise his victory.
In response, Ahmed declared that he did not recognise the legitimacy of the federal government either.
"If the government of Somalia does not become a government that is owned by everyone and does not follow what was agreed upon, then let everyone look for what benefits them," he said.
Raaskaambooni Conflict
Speaking about the conflict in Raaskaambooni, Ahmed stated that after his election victory, the Federal Government deployed military forces to the region under the pretext of taking over from ATMIS troops who had withdrawn.
However, he claimed that Jubaland forces were already securing the vacated areas. He accused the Federal Government of attempting to destabilise Jubaland, including efforts to undermine its military.
A confrontation occurred between Jubaland forces and federal troops, resulting in casualties.
According to Ahmed, the federal forces struggled in the battle due to the lack of familiarity with the terrain.
He described it as a tragic situation, as Somali military personnel were fighting each other instead of a common enemy.
"It was painful to see Somali soldiers crossing the border and surrendering to Kenyan forces," he said.
Ahmed accused the federal government of disregarding Somalia's national interest and international reputation, prioritising private dealings instead.
"The weapons given to Somalia by other governments were meant to fight the enemy, not to fight the Somali people," he added.
Ahmed also dismissed accusations by the Federal Government that Jubaland was connected to groups opposed to peace and stability. He claimed that such allegations were part of a broader strategy to discredit his administration.
In response to his interview, the Federal Government reportedly issued a warrant for his arrest. However, Madobe was defiant, suggesting that it would be difficult for authorities to capture him while he, on the other hand, could apprehend President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud if he chose to do so.
Top Stories Today
