Jubaland leader declares non-recognition of Somali federal government, accuses Mogadishu of politicising aid

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) announced that his administration no longer recognises the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The declaration was made during a meeting in Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubaland.

Madobe accused the federal government of politicising development and aid projects, claiming it had violated federal laws and attempted to impose a unitary system of governance.

“The federal government is running the country’s institutions like a private company,” he said. Madobe further urged international donors, private companies, individuals, and foreign countries to bypass Mogadishu and engage directly with Jubaland.

The fallout between Madobe and the federal government began last year following his re-election in indirect elections that the federal government opposed. Mogadishu had pushed for term extensions for federal member states, aiming for a one-person, one-vote election model by 2026. However, Madobe rejected the plan and went ahead with indirect elections.

Tensions intensified when federal forces were deployed to Raaskambooni in an attempt to disrupt Madobe’s re-election bid.

Jubaland’s worsening ties with the federal government, along with Puntland’s severed relations with Mogadishu, highlight the growing divisions within Somalia’s federal system under President Mohamud’s leadership.