Sunday December 8, 2024
By Abdirizak Diis
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (HOL) — Members of the Jubaland diaspora gathered at Jigjiga Mall to denounce the Somali Federal Government's military buildup in Jubaland, describing the actions as a direct challenge to Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Ahmed Madoobe. In a press conference, speakers criticized the Federal Government’s decision to deploy troops to Lower Juba, warning of the potential for widespread instability and deepening divisions within Somalia.
Diaspora leaders accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of undermining Somalia’s federal framework. They called for immediate dialogue, adherence to constitutional processes, and a renewed commitment to federalism to de-escalate tensions.
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The dispute between the Federal Government and Jubaland has been fueled by allegations of constitutional overreach. President Ahmed Madoobe recently withdrew from the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu, citing grievances over unilateral amendments to the Interim Constitution, extensions of federal member state presidents’ terms, and the perceived erosion of agreed protocols.Jubaland responded by reaffirming its constitutional rights. Articles 120, 121, 126, and 142 of Somalia’s Federal Constitution grant federal member states the authority to govern local legislative and executive affairs, manage security, and participate in federal decision-making. Jubaland’s State Election and Boundaries Commission announced its election schedule in defiance of what it views as federal encroachment.
The Federal Government’s deployment of troops to Ras Kamboni, a key border town in Lower Juba, has raised fears of inter-clan conflict. Observers warn that the use of clan militias risks exacerbating local tensions and undermining counterterrorism efforts in Jubaland, a critical front in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab.
The ripple effects could extend beyond Somalia’s borders. Ras Kamboni lies near Kenya and Ethiopia, and escalating instability in the region could threaten cross-border security and disrupt cooperation on regional counterterrorism strategies.
The economic impact of the conflict is another pressing concern. The port city of Kismayo, a lifeline for trade in Jubaland, faces potential disruptions. Any instability could severely impact the region's economy and livelihoods, further complicating Somalia’s fragile recovery.
International partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the African Union, and the United Nations, have urged Somalia’s leaders to pursue peaceful dialogue and resolve their differences. Critics argue, however, that the Federal Government’s actions signal an authoritarian drift, undermining trust in federal institutions and jeopardizing Somalia’s unity.
The Jubaland diaspora stressed the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation. Speakers at the press conference called on the Federal Government to respect the constitutional autonomy of member states and avoid actions that could destabilize the federal system.