Farmaajo, Madobe war erupts again, could upend Roble’s efforts

GOOBJOOG NEWS|JUBBALAND: A tug of war between Villa Somalia and Jubbaland president Ahmed Madobe is brewing in what could dampen efforts towards resolving the Gedo question as PM Roble visits the region as part of a reconciliation process.

Goobjoog News has learnt that the two sides have been deploying state resources to undermine each other as elections inch closer.

On July 8, a plane carrying Abdi Ali Rage, an advisor for Farmaajo who is contesting for a Lower House seat for Jubbaland was sent back with all passengers to Mogadishu. Roble was by then in Kismayo engaging the state leaders.

A day later in Gerbaharey, Abdullahi Abdi Jama, who is seeking appointment as District Commissioner was barred from staying in the town by Farmaajo allies.

Eight other elders were blocked from heading to Gerbaharey while two of them among them Ibrahim Guled were detained.

Roble arrived in Gerbaharey Saturday as part of his charm offensive in the politically restive region.

Farmaajo and Madobe have not been able to see eye to eye on the Gedo question for over a year now. The May 27 Agreement in Mogadishu envisaged the resolution of the Gedo question through the appointment of a new district commissioner and deputy in addition to a series of reconciliation engagements.

Gerbaharey, which is one of the polling centres for members of parliament is Farmaajo’s backyard.

The recent developments will likely derail efforts to resolving the outstanding issues in Gedo and paving way for the selection of delegates set to kick off on July 15 to August 10.