Kismayo, Somalia – In a strongly worded address on Monday, Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” criticized Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership, accusing him of pursuing an “autocratic agenda” and abandoning principles of inclusivity and national unity.
Speaking in Kismayo, President Madobe labeled President Mohamud a “turncoat,” urging him to reflect on his leadership and “correct the course” before further damaging the fragile federal system. His remarks come amid growing tensions between the federal government and federal member states over power-sharing, constitutional reform, and political inclusivity.
“The Somali people did not fight for one man to rule by decree,” Madobe stated. “We need an inclusive national dialogue—not one-sided decisions from Villa Somalia.”
He emphasized the need for genuine consultations with regional leaders and warned that centralization of power threatens Somalia’s hard-earned progress in federalism and reconciliation.
The federal government has yet to officially respond to Madobe’s remarks, but analysts say the statement underscores the widening rift between Mogadishu and regional administrations ahead of key political and constitutional milestones.