Jubaland lawmakers warn against political interference, call for dialogue

A section of Somali lawmakers representing constituencies within Jubaland State has issued a strong statement warning President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against what they describe as renewed interference in the affairs of Jubaland regional administration.

The statement, signed by members of both houses of the Federal Parliament, expresses deep concern over what they view as attempts to undermine the federal structure of governance enshrined in Somalia’s constitution.

The legislators allege that the President is repeating actions reminiscent of his previous term (2012–2017), when relations between the Federal Government and Jubaland were similarly strained.

They cited past military interventions in areas including Kismayo, Ras Kamboni, Doolow, Baardheere, and Beled-Hawo, which they claim resulted in civilian displacement, injuries, and loss of life.

The lawmakers argue that these actions, undertaken during a critical period when terror group Al-Shabaab has intensified its diversive activities diverted essential resources away from counterterrorism efforts.

Further, the parliamentarians list five key concerns, including the alleged establishment of parallel administrations in Jubaland, political interference in local governance, and the redirection of national military resources away from combating terrorism.

They further caution that such policies risk reigniting inter-clan tensions and destabilizing relatively peaceful regions.

“Somali forces, both federal and state-level, should be united in the fight against terrorism,” the statement reads. “It is irrational and dangerous to pit them against each other for short-term political gains.”

While the tone of the statement is firm, the lawmakers also extended an appeal for dialogue and national unity.

They urged the Federal Government, Member States, political stakeholders, and the international community to engage in peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms.

“Only through consensus-based leadership,” they emphasized, “can Somalia achieve lasting stability.”

This latest development comes against a backdrop of long-standing disputes between the Federal Government and Jubaland, particularly over resource-sharing, security arrangements, and political autonomy.

While previous mediation efforts by international partners have yielded temporary calm, the structural issues within Somalia’s federal framework remain a point of contention.

Somalia has consistently been bogged by intra wars that analysts say threaten its economic potential.