Jubaland congratulates Hirshabelle leader days after poll victory

KISMAYO, Somalia - Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe has joined a section of state leaders in hailing Hirshabelle new leader Ali Gudlawe, who won the region's elections which were closely monitored by opposition bigwigs in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been in turmoil for several decades.

Before Ali Gudlawe was elected to replace former President Mohamed Abdi Waare, there were claims of interference from Villa Somalia. The Federal Government did not comment on the claims of meddling with the regional polls, which came weeks to national polls.

Already, President Farmajo, who is persistently accused of installing those close to him in several states, pledged to work with the new leadership in his congratulatory message. Farmajo is said to be a close associate of Mr. Ali Gudlawe, who is yet to be sworn in.

But the deteriorating political standoff between some states and the federal government seems to be easing after Madobe, a sworn critic of Farmajo also joined in congratulating the new leadership for elections which were held last week despite allegations of rigging by some opposition leaders.

Madobe said Jubaland will work closely with the new Hirshabelle leadership, adding that such cooperations would improve the living standards of Somali people. Already, leaders of Southwest and Galmadug have also sent their congratulatory messages to the new team.

For years, Madobe has been at loggerheads with President Farmajo, who he often accused of deploying the Somali National Army [SNA] and the Ethiopian non-Amisom troops to the Gedo region, which is considered as the hotbed of conflict between Kismayo and Mogadishu.

The country is set to go for parliamentary and presidential elections from December but a section of opposition leaders accuse the government of installing cronies in the critical poll committee, who they claim has previously worked with spy agency NISA.

GAROWE ONLINE