FGS bars Jubaland leader from national talks over disputed election

The Federal Government of Somalia has excluded Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Madobe, from the upcoming National Consultative Forum, unless he withdraws from the election that extended his rule in Kismayo.

The forum, announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is expected to bring together leaders of federal member states to discuss key national issues, including electoral reforms. Jubaland’s exclusion will likely further strain relations between Villa Somalia and the Kismayo-based administration.

Interior Minister Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag said in Mogadishu that Madobe was not invited to the talks. He said the decision is based on the government’s rejection of last year’s Jubaland election, which it considers unconstitutional.

Fartaag said Madobe’s re-election violated national laws. He added that Madobe can only take part in the forum if he formally renounces the outcome of that vote.

The minister also announced that the government plans to hold district council elections in six areas of the Gedo region and two in Lower Juba. These elections will be held under the one-person, one-vote system.

Fartaag said that if Jubaland authorities block the process in Kismayo and Afmadow, the federal government will organise voting in alternative locations within Gedo.

The comments highlight growing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubaland administration, especially on matters of election legitimacy and political inclusion.