Monday November 25, 2024
Kismayo (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire have congratulated Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe on his re-election as president of Jubbaland despite the federal government rejecting the election results as unconstitutional.
Madobe secured a third term on Monday after receiving 55 votes from Jubbaland lawmakers. His challengers, Faisal Mohamed Mataan and Abubakar Abdi Hassan, garnered 16 and 4 votes.
Sheikh Sharif criticized federal leaders for allegedly pressuring regional states to unlawfully extend terms and warned against using national security forces for political objectives, which he said could destabilize Jubbaland.
Khaire called for an immediate end to political incitement that risks emboldening al-Shabab militants. He described the Jubbaland election as a model for addressing ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal and regional elections and urged Galmudug, South-West, and Hirshabelle leaders to prioritize constitutional polls.
However, Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre denounced Madobe’s re-election, citing constitutional term limits. Barre labelled the electoral process illegitimate and accused Madobe of undermining national unity for personal gain.
The federal government continues to push for a unified electoral system with universal suffrage across Somalia. The proposal, which Madobe and Puntland’s leadership oppose, highlights the growing rift between Somalia’s federal government and its semi-autonomous states.
