A brewing standoff between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland State over the latter’s decision to defy a switch to one-man one-vote electoral system is nearing armed confrontation, Somalia-based media organisations reported on Tuesday.
- The federal government in Mogadishu is in conflict with Jubaland after President Ahmed Mohammed Islam, more commonly known by his nom de guerre Ahmed Madobe, was reelected for a third term on Monday.
- Both sides have now massed troops in Ras Kamboni, with Mogadishu recruiting to its side some Jubaland commanders who’ve since defected or now work in the federal government.
- According to Garowe Online, Mogadishu deployed a contingent of 150 troops on Monday, and Jubaland deployed 300 troops in response.
“We encourage all parties to refrain from provocations and reengage in an open dialogue, before any electoral processes are finalised,” international partners based in Mogadishu said in a statement.
Mogadishu has accused Madobe of violating electoral laws, and in addition to the threat of conflict, is also said to be preparing legal action. The location of the ongoing standoff, near the Kenyan border carries with it the potential of a cascading escalation.
President Madobe, was reelected by 55 out of 75 votes in the region’s parliament on Monday. The ensuing conflict is multifold, with Jubaland removing term limits-Madobe was first elected in 2012-, defying a proposal to push to its elections to 2025.
Mogadishu is moving to a one-person one-vote election system, but the idea of universal suffrage has been highly controversial in the country. Jubaland is a highly strategic state in the country, with two of Somalia’s neighbours-Kenya and Ethiopia-considering it a strategic buffer zone.
