MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a move that has further strained relations between Somalia’s central government and its semi-autonomous states, President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland hosted a significant dinner at the Presidential Center in Kismayo last night.
The dinner was in honor of the initial assembly of Jubbaland’s representatives in the Federal Parliament who had journeyed to the regional capital. This gathering symbolizes not only a show of unity within Jubbaland but also a strategic move by Madobe to consolidate regional support amidst growing frictions with Mogadishu.
Madobe, who has been a pivotal figure in Jubbaland’s political scene since his election in 2013, is known for his contentious relationship with the federal government. His recent decision to host this dinner underscores his intention to assert Jubbaland’s autonomy and rally regional political figures. This act of hosting federal parliamentarians, especially in light of the current political climate, can be seen as both a gesture of goodwill and a calculated political maneuver.
Today, Madobe has convened a general consultation meeting in Kismayo, inviting all stakeholders to discuss the contentious issues surrounding the relationship with the federal government. This meeting is set against the backdrop of his earlier refusal to partake in the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings, which are critical platforms for dialogue between the federal government and the regional states. His absence from these councils has been a clear sign of his ongoing dispute with the central authority over governance, resource allocation, and political representation.
The involvement of the United Nations, through its acting envoy James Swan, indicates the international community’s interest in stabilizing Somalia’s political landscape. Swan’s visit to Kismayo was an attempt to foster reconciliation between the conflicting parties. However, despite his diplomatic efforts, no significant progress was reported, highlighting the entrenched nature of the disagreement.
