Madobe-FGS Election Feuds: The 2019 Debacle Re-Visited

By T. Roble

The declaration Monday by the Federal Government rejecting the re-electing of Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe adds to a growing round of dismay by Mogadishu over elections in Jubaland.

Shortly after Madobe’s re-election on Sunday, the Cabinet held an urgent meeting where it resolved to reject the entire political process in Jubaland which began this month with the composition of the electoral commission and subsequent election of members of parliament.

In its strong stance against Madobe’s stay in power, the Cabinet said the process was illegal and violated articles 4, 99, and 100 of the Provisional Constitution and Law No. 24. It also directed the Attorney General to file a suit in the High Court for a definite determination of the matter.

MADOBE TO FARMAAJO: Pull out troops from Gedo first, then we talk

In August 22, 2019, the Federal Government took a similar stance following Madobe’s re-election for a second term. Then under the leadership of President Mohamed Farmaajo, the government said it would not recognise Madobe’s presidency and the Jubaland administration. It announced plans for elections in October of the same year but that came a cropper.

DEADLY FIGHTING IN GEDO

Tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland escalated leading to the deployment of the U.S-trained Danab Special Forces in Gedo region, a move that the U.S government sharply criticised. The situation further worsened, leading to a deadly clash between the federal forces and Jubaland forces, then headed by security minister Abdirashid Janaan. Fighting would spill to the Kenyan side on Belet-Hawo border. Farmaajo would later embrace Janaan, a man on the Interpol red list, a jailbreaker, a criminal under international law and other serious human rights violations, including obstructing humanitarian assistance, to fight his nemesis- Madobe.

As the internal gridlock persisted, tensions between Somalia and Kenya escalated as the former accused Nairobi of fomenting the strive by backing Madobe. Ahead of elections in August, Farmaajo had sought the support of the Ethiopians, who sent in a military contingent to Kismayo but failed to land as Kenya Defence Forces manning the airport in Kismayo held ground.

Amnesty International welcomes the arrest of Jubbaland Security Minister

To further press Madobe, the Federal government declared travel restrictions on Jubaland government officials and even restricted humanitarian flights, sparking a sharp reaction from aid agencies.

It was only until June 2020 that the Federal Government came to terms with Madobe’s presidency, but on ‘interim basis’ for two years in preparations for elections. Madobe would stay in office until 2024 securing an endless stab at the presidency last July when the state parliament voted to scrap term limits and extended the term of both the presidency and parliament from four to five years.