MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The Jubaland Council of Ministers warned the Somali federal government against what it described as interference in Gedo region, after Mogadishu unveiled plans to establish a parallel regional administration within 45 days, Caasimada Online news website reported on Friday.
The warning followed a cabinet meeting chaired by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Madobe, in the port city of Kismayo. The regional leaders accused the federal government of undermining Jubaland’s authority and said any unilateral move in Gedo could reignite conflict and bloodshed in the restive region.
The statement comes days after talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Madobe collapsed in Kismayo. The negotiations reportedly failed to resolve two contentious issues: the federal government’s push for universal suffrage elections across all member states, and the disputed 2024 regional vote that secured Madobe a third term.
Following the breakdown of talks, President Mohamud returned to Mogadishu and instructed his cabinet to proceed with “Plan B” – the establishment of a new Jubaland administration based in Gedo region’s capital, Garbaharey.
Officials say the move is aimed at restoring federal authority in Jubaland, where the federal government has long struggled to assert control. The proposed parallel state would be led by current Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, known as Fartaag, who is being considered for the presidency of the new administration.
President Mohamud has placed responsibility for the implementation of the plan on his cabinet, but has emphasized that the current trajectory of the region is unsustainable and that any solution must fall within the bounds of the national constitution.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, tasked with implementing the plan, has been holding consultations with members of parliament from Jubaland in recent days.
Gedo, strategically located along the borders with Kenya and Ethiopia, has long been a flashpoint in the struggle for power between the federal government and Jubaland, one of Somalia’s six federal member states.
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