Thursday November 21, 2024
FILE PHOTO - Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe during a meeting in Kismayo, Somalia. Madobe's leadership has been central to ongoing discussions about federal-state relations and electoral processes in the country.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's international partners have voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State, calling for urgent de-escalation and a return to constructive dialogue. The dispute has intensified following the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which Jubaland boycotted, further deepening a rift that jeopardizes Somalia's fragile state-building efforts. Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe had previously walked out of an NCC meeting in early October, underlining the strained relations between the two sides.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, international partners called on Jubaland to re-engage with the NCC and repair its ties with the federal government. "We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive and inclusive discussions on the electoral process," the statement read. "Jubaland State is urged to return to the NCC for an open discussion of all outstanding issues and to restore ties with the FGS."
The statement emphasized the need to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. "We encourage all parties to refrain from provocations and re-engage in open dialogue before any electoral processes are finalized," it added.
Jubaland's absence from the NCC, a forum designed to foster collaboration between federal and state leaders, has raised concerns among international observers. The council has been pivotal in addressing disputes over governance and resource-sharing, and its effectiveness hinges on the participation of all federal member states.
International partners reiterated their support for Somalia's democratic aspirations, including advancing universal suffrage. "International Partners support Somalia on advancing its state-building agenda, including the ambition of progressively moving towards one-person, one-vote elections through increasingly inclusive and participatory voting systems," the statement read.
The partners also stressed the importance of broad public and political support for electoral reforms, calling for inclusive, widely accepted, and achievable processes within a viable timeline. They noted that ensuring national security and stability is paramount to the success of these efforts.
The FGS-Jubaland rift is the latest dispute that has hindered Somalia's political progress. Recurring disagreements over power dynamics, electoral frameworks, and governance structures have exposed the vulnerabilities of Somalia's federal system.
The statement comes amid simmering tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland State, which have escalated further as Jubaland rejected federal accusations of failing to uphold agreements on a unified electoral process.
Jubaland has proceeded with its independent electoral process, which includes parliamentary and presidential elections. The Jubaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission has outlined a timeline for these events, beginning with the election of new lawmakers on November 18 and 19. This will be followed by the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the regional parliament on November 21, culminating in the presidential election scheduled for November 25.
Analysts warn that Jubaland's continued absence from the NCC could further destabilize the political landscape.
The statement was issued by a coalition of Somalia's international partners, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and regional actors such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
"We remain committed to supporting Somalia's journey toward peace and prosperity," the partners concluded, urging Somali leaders to prioritize dialogue over division.
Somalia's state-building efforts are at a critical juncture, with electoral reforms and national stability hanging in the balance. The success of the NCC depends on sustained cooperation between the FGS and federal member states, making Jubaland's re-engagement essential.