Ex-Mogadishu Mayor Decries Selection of Muungab as Party’s Mayoral Candidate Amid Fears of Rift in President’s Party

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: A new political dispute has erupted within the JSP party after the former Governor of Banadir, Yusuf Hussein Jim’ale (Madaale), criticized the decision to officially endorse Dr. Hassan Mungaab as the party’s candidate for the position of Mayor of Mogadishu.

Madaale, a senior member of the party leadership, described the announcement as a violation of JSP’s internal procedures. He argued that the party’s candidates should be selected through a transparent and democratic process, not by public declarations made at campaign-style events. “The JSP party has a clear system and procedures. The candidate for Mayor of Mogadishu should be chosen through voting and consultation, not announced at rallies without informing the rest of the party,” said Madaale.

Madaale’s remarks are being viewed as an early sign of growing tensions within the JSP party, which appear to be intensifying ahead of the Banadir regional council elections. Sources within the party say many members feel that key decisions are being made without adequate consultation.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) following its launch in Mogadishu in May this year.

Deputy Secretary-General Defends the Nomination

Meanwhile, Dr. Hussein Sheikh Mahmoud, the party’s Deputy Secretary-General, defended the nomination of Dr. Mungaab during a major event launching the party’s local election campaign staff. He described the decision as a strategic move aimed at consolidating JSP’s support base in the capital. “Dr. Hassan Mungaab is an experienced leader, and he was deemed the most suitable candidate to represent JSP. Our goal is unity and progress, not division,” Dr. Hussein said.

The emerging rift is seen as a major internal test for JSP as it prepares to face off with several other parties in the upcoming Banadir local elections.