Somalia: Ahmed Madobe's Arrest Warrant Labeled as a Blunder

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The issuance of an arrest warrant against Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe was a 'mistake' which should be 'rectified' as soon as possible, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said, noting that the current administration is detached from reality.

In his jibe against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sharif Sheikh said Jubaland elections were held according to the schedule, adding that the federal government should desist from interference in regional states' operations.

Ahmed criticized the deployment of the army to Raaskambooni, alleging that rather than combating Al-Shabaab, the SNA forces are being utilized to advance the personal agendas of Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) leaders.

Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Vice President of Puntland, stated on Monday that "the developments ongoing on in Jubaland are breaking the bond that holds together the people of Somalia and are putting the country in uncertainty. The armed forces are being used to invade a federal state that held its election."

Before Hassan Sheikh won power in 2022, he was on record for criticising Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, who was also constantly at loggerheads with Ahmed Madobe and Said Abdullahi Deni, the leader of Jubaland state.

While Hassan Sheikh maintains Somalia must hold direct polls, both Madobe and Deni argue that the model may not be tenable given that it could trigger unnecessary term extensions for both federal and regional leaders against the constitution.

As troops mobilised in several parts of Jubaland, Kismayo Mayor Omar Abdullahi Mohamed (Faraweyne) has accused Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of "treason" amid a political standoff between Jubaland and The Villa Somalia.

The allegations follow a Kismayo Court's arrest warrant against Mohamud. The standoff between these sides has tremendously escalated leading to criticism from members of the international community who have asked for dialogue.

Ahmed Madobe secured his third term and has warned against any incursion by the federal government, adding that he will engineer a full-blown onslaught against Hassan Sheikh and his team.

GAROWE ONLINE