KISMAYO, Somalia – Jubaland State President Ahmed Madobe strongly rebuked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Thursday, alleging he now promotes policies he previously opposed, underscoring mounting political friction before Somalia’s 2026 elections.
Addressing the Somali Future Council conference in Kismayo, Madobe characterized the event as a venue to address the nation’s political difficulties and advocated for governance built on extensive consultation rather than centralized power.
“No individual will accept today what President Hassan rejected yesterday,” Madobe stated, cautioning that Somalia must avoid actions capable of destabilizing the country. “We will not permit the nation to be destroyed,” local journalists reported.
Analysts suggest Madobe’s remarks demonstrate dissatisfaction among regional leaders who feel marginalized by policies perceived as excessively centralized under the federal government. Critics contend that recent decisions in Mogadishu jeopardize the consensus-based federal arrangements intended to distribute authority among Somalia’s member states.
Supporters of President Hassan Sheikh argue that initiatives to revise governance structures, including constitutional reforms, aim to enhance unity and establish foundations for more inclusive elections. Government officials have labeled accusations of power grabs as political rhetoric.
The Somali Future Council conference has attracted former presidents, prime ministers, and other prominent political figures from across Somalia, indicating heightened focus on governance preceding the 2026 national elections.
Madobe stressed that leadership should derive from consensus and shared accountability, not from one individual maintaining power or monopolizing national resources , a position likely to appeal to regional administrations concerned with preserving authority equilibrium within the federal system.
