KISMAYO, (HAN) — Lawmakers representing constituencies in Somalia’s Jubaland State have warned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against what they called renewed interference in the region’s internal affairs.
In a statement issued Friday and signed by members of both houses of the Federal Parliament, the legislators voiced concern over what they described as efforts to undermine Somalia’s federal system of governance, which is enshrined in the national constitution.
The lawmakers accused Mohamud of repeating actions reminiscent of his previous term (2012–2017), when tensions between the Federal Government and Jubaland were similarly high.
They warned against “military invasions and political interference” targeting the Jubaland administration, saying any attempt to create a parallel regional authority would further destabilize the state.
The MPs also alleged that the central government is fueling clan-based tensions and using national security forces for political purposes.
“Somali forces, both federal and state-level, should be united in the fight against terrorism,” the statement said. “It is irrational and dangerous to pit them against each other for short-term political gains.”
The lawmakers called on the Federal Government, regional administrations, political leaders, and international partners to adopt peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Only through consensus-based leadership,” they said, “can Somalia achieve lasting stability.”
They urged both the central government and all federal member states to prioritize dialogue and unity in combating al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.
President Mohamud recently visited Kismayo in an effort to resolve a political dispute with Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Madobe. However, the talks ended without agreement, fueling speculation of renewed tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo.
