President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland has publicly declared that he no longer recognizes the Somali federal government, accusing it of centralizing power, politicizing humanitarian aid, and exacerbating economic and political instability in Somalia. Madobe’s statements were made during the Jubbaland Investment Conference, where he criticized the federal government for withholding resources and development projects from Jubbaland, describing it as an administration that operates solely in Mogadishu and neglects the needs of federal member states.
Madobe specifically accused the federal government of diverting international humanitarian aid intended for vulnerable communities in Jubbaland to fund armed conflicts within the region. He called on international aid agencies to bypass the federal government and engage directly with Jubbaland to ensure that aid reaches those in need without political interference. This appeal reflects Jubbaland’s desire for greater autonomy and control over its affairs, particularly in light of ongoing disputes with Mogadishu over resource allocation and governance.
The tensions between Jubbaland and the federal government have escalated significantly in recent months. In November 2024, Jubbaland suspended all cooperation with the federal administration following disputes over Madobe’s re-election, which the federal government deemed unconstitutional. This led to mutual arrest warrants between Madobe and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, further deepening the rift. Clashes between federal forces and Jubbaland regional troops in December 2024 further highlighted the fragility of Somalia’s federal system and raised concerns about internal rivalries diverting attention from the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Madobe’s call for direct international engagement underscores the broader challenges facing Somalia’s federal structure, where mistrust and competition between the central government and regional states undermine collaboration and stability. The ongoing discord poses significant risks to Somalia’s state-building efforts and could exacerbate humanitarian crises in regions like Jubbaland, which rely heavily on international aid.
In conclusion, Madobe’s rejection of the federal government and his appeal for direct aid engagement highlight the deepening political and humanitarian crisis in Somalia. Resolving these tensions will require inclusive dialogue, equitable resource distribution, and a commitment to strengthening Somalia’s federal governance framework.