Jubbaland warns Somalia facing national crisis, criticizes federal leadership

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubbaland’s interior minister on Wednesday warned that Somalia is facing a national crisis caused by poor leadership, blaming the country’s top federal authorities for what he described as a dangerous political trajectory.

Speaking to reporters at Kismayo airport as delegations arrived for a political conference, Jubbaland Interior Minister Mohamed Hussein Oogle said hopes once placed in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had failed to materialize. He said the direction expected from the country’s leadership no longer reflects the reality on the ground.

Oogle said Somalia is in a sensitive phase marked by growing concerns over violations of the provisional constitution, arbitrary decision-making and disregard for agreed legal frameworks.

He warned that the situation poses a serious threat to the country’s political future, particularly as the constitutional mandates of some state institutions are approaching their end.

The minister also addressed the purpose of the Kismayo conference, saying it aims to help redirect Somalia’s national political course. He said former national leaders and opposition figures had been invited to attend, confirming that an invitation was extended to former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmaajo.

Although some invited leaders have yet to arrive, Oogle said the organizing committee would continue welcoming and accommodating participants from the federal government, regional administrations and district levels. He described Farmaajo as a key opposition figure whose political views remain relevant.

Oogle said the conference is expected to produce recommendations and decisions to confront the federal government’s leadership, stressing that Somalia needs inclusive leadership that unites the nation, follows a clear course and operates in line with the constitution. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the meeting would contribute to easing the country’s political tensions.

GAROWE ONLINE