In a dramatic escalation, Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubbaland region have issued arrest warrants for each other’s leaders, highlighting a dangerous power struggle.
Jubbaland, strategically bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, re-elected Ahmed Madobe as regional president, defying Mogadishu’s authority.
The federal government dismissed the election as illegitimate, accusing Jubbaland of undermining national unity, while the region accuses Mogadishu of authoritarian overreach.
This clash not only destabilizes Somalia but threatens the balance of power in the Horn of Africa.
Jubbaland’s Attorney General issued an arrest warrant for Mohamud via the First Instance Court in Kismayo, accusing him of treason, inciting a civil war, and organising an armed uprising to disrupt the constitutional order in the country.
It did not provide evidence supporting the accusations.
This warrant was in response to a similar one issued by a regional court in Mogadishu for Madobe’s arrest, which accused him of treason and revealing classified information to foreign entities.
The execution of these warrants remains uncertain, as both Madobe and Mohamud command troops.
Somalia’s information minister, Daud Aweis, sair that the matter was in the hands of the judiciary, which was tasked with enforcing laws through its rulings and judgements.
Jubbaland’s security minister, Yusuf Dhumal, did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this week, the national government dispatched additional troops to Jubbaland in response to the election.
In 2021, Jubbaland was among other regional governments that nearly clashed with the national government over plans to extend the time in office of the then president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.
Reuters/Patience Ameh
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