MOGADISHU, Somalia – Political disagreements have intensified in Somalia, with the latest conflict involving Jubbaland threatening to further divide the nation and potentially impact service delivery and federal governance effectiveness.
Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, political conflicts have escalated, with recent constitutional amendments made without consultation from certain stakeholders deepening the division.
The country is transitioning from an indirect election system to one based on universal suffrage.
On Sunday, Jubbaland Speaker Sheikh Abdi Mohamed announced the region will be referred to as “Jubbaland State,” removing “federal member” from its official designation.
A similar action was taken by Puntland in 2023 following its disagreement with Mogadishu.
Jubbaland Parliament Speaker Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman stated that lawmakers approved changes eliminating all mentions of “federal member state” from the regional charter.
These revisions, he explained, formally establish the entity as the government of Jubbaland.
“We have implemented the amendments and removed the term from the constitution,” Abdirahman said during the Eighth Jubbaland Health Conference.
“Starting today, it is the government of Jubbaland,” he added.
He instructed the regional cabinet to use the new designation in all official proceedings. Puntland had previously declared it would manage its affairs independently until the national constitution is finalized and a referendum conducted.
In March last year, Puntland withdrew recognition of the federal government following constitutional amendments passed by parliament.
Despite tensions with Mogadishu, many observers anticipate Puntland’s leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, to seek the federal presidency next year.
Jubbaland also plans to host opposition leaders in Kismayo in the near future.
Both Deni and Madobe have criticized Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership, accusing him of deteriorating the nation’s economy, politics, and social integration, particularly expressing dissatisfaction with limited central government support.
Two months ago, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Jubbaland to resolve differences with the regional leader, Madobe.
The federal government does not recognize Madobe’s re-election last year, which remains the primary source of tension between the region and the central government. Madobe had questioned the deployment of troops in Gedo and Ras Kamboni, where they faced regional forces.
Although federal troops were defeated in the confrontation, efforts to control parts of Jubbaland persist due to significant interest in Gedo.
Ongoing division and persistent disputes reinforce concerns among many Somalis who doubt the federal system’s suitability for the country, while others argue it has thus far maintained national unity.
These conflicts could influence upcoming elections, with both federal states insisting on the indirect model, claiming the nation lacks the capacity for direct polls and warning such attempts would lead to unprecedented term extensions.
