JidbaaleThe Somali federal government has categorically dismissed Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe’s re-election as Jubbaland President for a third term, deeming the process illegal and asserting breaches of electoral accords.
During the Council of Ministers meeting in Mogadishu on Monday night, government officials challenged the validity of the parliamentary procedure that resulted in Madobe’s re-election. The federal Cabinet declared Madobe ineligible for re-election, referencing Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which restricts presidents to two terms.
The government questioned the selection of Jubbaland’s parliament members and leadership, deeming the procedure contradictory with the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission and previous political agreements.
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre charged Madobe with placing personal aspirations above Somalia’s unity, emphasizing that the Kismayo election contravened a May 2023 National Consultative Council accord in Mogadishu. The accord, executed by federal and regional authorities, including Jubbaland, stipulated a shift to a “one person, one vote” electoral framework.
The Somali Attorney General has been directed to initiate legal proceedings against Madobe for violating election regulations and political agreements.
Madobe attained his third term on Monday, garnering 55 votes from Jubbaland legislators, while his nearest rival, Faisal Mohamed Mataan, obtained 16 votes. The third contender, Abubakar Abdi Hassan, received just four votes.
The issue adds to the already fragile relationship between the federal government and Jubbaland as Somalia confronts increased hurdles in bridging internal political tensions while facing security concerns.
