Saturday November 30, 2024
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed (center) addresses the media during a press conference in Mogadishu, flanked by key allies, as he criticizes the Federal Government's handling of the Jubbaland crisis.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has issued a sharp rebuke to the Federal Government over its escalating conflict with the Jubbaland administration, warning that the situation risks plunging the nation into further instability.
In a rare public appearance, Sharif criticized the deployment of federal troops to Jubbaland territories, describing the move as a provocation that risks igniting violence. The troops, he argued, are being misused in a political vendetta rather than fulfilling their mandate to defend the nation.
"National forces should be the guardians of Somalia's sovereignty, not tools in a manufactured crisis that could spill innocent blood," he said. "This deployment is a dangerous overreach, driven by politics rather than necessity."
At the heart of the dispute lies the contentious re-election of Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe. Sharif strongly supported Madobe, condemning the Federal Government's issuance of an arrest warrant against him. He described the warrant as a "blatant disregard" for the rule of law and an assault on Somalia's federal structure.
"Madobe's election followed the agreed timeline and process," Sharif noted. "Issuing an arrest warrant undermines the principles of governance and creates a dangerous precedent. The constitution is a social contract, one that requires mutual respect and collective responsibility."
Sharif also aimed for the government's broader approach to federalism, accusing it of selectively targeting regional administrations. He called for fair treatment and consistent policies to foster cooperation among federal member states.
The rift between Mogadishu and Jubbaland is more than a political chess game. On the ground, residents of Jubbaland live in fear as federal and regional troops mobilize, each accusing the other of brinkmanship. The prospect of clashes looms large, with civilians caught in the crossfire of political power plays.
In Kismayo and surrounding areas, the atmosphere is tense. "We hear rumours of fighting every day," said one resident, speaking anonymously. "No one wants war, but we feel like pawns in a game we don't understand."
The Jubbaland dispute underscores more profound challenges in Somalia's federal framework. Questions of autonomy, resource sharing, and political representation have long pitted the central government against regional states. Critics argue that Mogadishu's heavy-handed tactics risk alienating key regions, undermining the very foundation of federalism.
Sharif urged the Federal Government to prioritize dialogue over military intervention. "Somalia's future depends on cooperation, not coercion," he said. "We must work together to heal these divisions before they consume us."