MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government on Sunday condemned the appointment of a regional election committee by Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe to oversee a unilateral, indirect election, accusing him of violating prior agreements between the federal and regional authorities.
In a statement, the Somali government denounced the move as “illegal,” emphasizing that Ahmed Madobe’s term expired in August of last year and that he continues to hold office solely under an agreement between the federal government and regional states.
In September, Ahmed Madobe walked out of the National Consultative Council meeting after rejecting a proposal by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which called for unified regional state elections, the appointment of a single federal election committee to oversee the process, and the implementation of a one-person, one-vote system in late 2025—an arrangement that would extend the terms of state presidents.
Since then, the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland have opposed the proposal, arguing that it violates the national constitution and serves as a means of extending presidential terms. However, the proposal has been endorsed by three other regional leaders, who signed an agreement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud late last month.
Determined to hold an indirect election and having amended the Jubaland constitution to secure a third term in office, Ahmed Madobe is expected to conduct the vote in the coming weeks.
Last week, he prompted the resignation of three Somali cabinet members from his region and swiftly summoned federal MPs from Jubaland to return to Kismayo for consultations, signaling a deepening rift with Mogadishu.
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