The situation in Dollow, where Ethiopian troops have taken full control of the airfield under orders from Jubbaland’s leadership, Ahmed Madobe, highlights a significant shift in regional power dynamics within Somalia.
This move comes amid rising tensions between Jubbaland authorities and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is advocating for a shift to a one-person, one-vote election system.
President Mohamud’s push for this democratic model has met with resistance from some regional leaders, who see it as potentially undermining their influence in the current federal system.
Ethiopia’s role in securing the Dollow airfield suggests an alignment with Jubbaland’s stance, adding complexity to Somali-Ethiopian relations and potentially intensifying internal divisions within Somalia.
This development could have broader implications for Somali federalism, security arrangements, and international engagement in the region, especially as discussions on political reforms continue.