Kismayo, (Idil News) —Ahmed Mohamed Islam commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, has been re-elected as the President of Jubaland for a third term, securing 55 out of 75 votes cast by the Jubaland House of Representatives on Monday. His closest rival, Abubakar Omar Ali, received 16 votes, while Faysal Muktar garnered 4 votes.
Madobe’s victory solidifies his leadership over the semi-autonomous Jubaland state for another five years, despite growing tensions with Somalia’s federal government. The election was held in Kismayo under heavy security and federal government objections, which had unsuccessfully attempted to interfere in the process.
Federal Government Pushback
In his victory speech, Ahmed Madobe accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of undermining federalism and risking a return to civil war. Hours after the election, reports emerged that Somali government troops had landed in Ras Kamboni, a coastal town in the Middle Juba region approximately 274 kilometers south of Kismayo. The deployment, involving elite Gor-Gor forces, is widely seen as an effort to challenge Madobe’s authority in Jubaland.
The move echoes a similar scenario from 2019 when the administration of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo rejected Jubaland’s election results. Ironically, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, then in opposition, had congratulated Madobe on his reelection at the time.
Widespread Congratulatory Messages
Despite federal opposition, Madobe’s reelection was met with widespread congratulations from Somali leaders and political figures.
Himilo Qaran Party, led by former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a statement lauding the election. “The Himilo Qaran Party congratulates Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam on his re-election as President of Jubaland,” the statement read, adding a call for the federal government to seize political interference in regional elections.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also posted on X (formerly Twitter), warning federal authorities against misusing national security forces for political objectives. “I urge the President of Jubaland to play a significant role in resolving Somalia’s complex political issues,” he said.
Said Abdullahi Deni, President of Puntland, extended his congratulations, emphasizing Jubaland’s adherence to constitutional processes. Jubaland’s leaders, he said, had upheld the legitimacy of their state.
The vice president of SSC-Khaatumo, Mohamed Abdi Ismail Shiine, and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also congratulated Madobe, calling for dialogue to address the growing rift between Jubaland and Mogadishu.
Puntland’s Minister of Interior Abdi Farah Said Juha praised Madobe for respecting his term limits and the legitimacy of Jubaland’s statehood.
Juha also criticized President Mohamud’s administration, saying, “The federal government is at war again.”
Former Puntland Minister of Planning Mohamed Said Farole commended Madobe’s leadership, highlighting his suitability for addressing Jubaland’s unique challenges.
Political figure and vocal critic Abfirahman Abdidhakur Warssme congratulates and urged the federal government to imitate the previous regime.
Growing Rift Between Mogadishu and Kismayo
The deployment of federal troops to Ras Kamboni has further exacerbated tensions between Jubaland and Mogadishu. Political experts warn that the situation risks undermining Somalia’s fragile federal system, with fears of escalating conflict if federal troops advance toward Kismayo.
Ahmed Madobe, a former Raskamboni commander and prominent figure in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab and has long been a contentious figure in Somali politics. His leadership is widely supported in Jubaland but has repeatedly clashed with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over the balance of power and constitution crisis.
The international community now watches closely to see whether President Mohamud’s administration will attempt further interventions in Jubaland, as regional and international stakeholders call for dialogue to ease tensions.
Idil News from Kismaayo, Election situation room.