Somalia: Hassan Sheikh struggles with federalism as he courts Galmudug state

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia - For the better part of Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spent his time in Dhusamareeb, the regional administrative capital of Gulmadug, he he courted federal states despite frosty relationships with federalism ideology.

At Dhusamareb, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inaugurated a new parliament where he called for unity in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, a group which still dominates central and southern regions in the Horn of Africa nation.

During the trip, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was accompanied by federal ministers and senior military officials and was received by Galmudug leader Ahmed Abdi Karie (Qoor-Qoor), Vice President Ali Dahir Eid, parliamentary leaders, and community elders.

Puntland and Jubaland regional states have accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of weakening federalism through internal policies that have triggered concerns about his commitment. The two states accuse him of undermining the constitution.

For instance, in Jubbaland, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has unleashed federal troops who have been fighting the Jubaland regional forces in Gedo, leading to massive damage in the Gedo region in recent days.

“The cooperation between the federal government and Galmudug is bearing fruit,” Karie said, noting that the projects symbolise progress in both state-building and service delivery.

But at Galmudug, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called for strong collaboration in the fight against Al-Shabaab within Mudug and Galgaduud, where the militants have been fighting the government and civilians.

He called on local communities to mobilise in support of security forces engaged in Somalia’s ongoing “liberation campaign.”

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is currently working strongly with Galmudug, Southwest and Hirshabelle administrations without keen interest in Jubaland and Puntland, leading to the current rebellion. He is accused of pushing for illegal constitutional changes.

GAROWE ONLINE