The President of Jubbaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, has strongly criticized the emerging political plans by the Federal Government and some Federal Member State leaders to form a major political party. Speaking in a tone both assertive and cautionary, Madobe questioned the legitimacy and practicality of building such a party without first clarifying the fundamentals of power-sharing.
Before diving into discussions about who will become chairperson or deputy of the proposed party, Madobe questioned the very foundation of the idea. “Before we even discuss who will be the chair or deputy, the real question is: how much authority will this so-called party actually have?” he asked.
In a pointed rebuke of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Madobe accused him of pursuing the same centralizing political ambitions that were previously rejected under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
“Hassan, first listen to yourself—compare what you’re saying today with what you said yesterday. I won’t accept now what we all rejected from Farmaajo back then. That hasn’t changed,” said Madobe.
He went further to draw a historical parallel, warning that the current administration seems to be modeling its efforts after the ruling party of the military regime under Mohamed Siad Barre.
“They’re trying to build something like the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party of the past. But what they fail to realize is—they don’t hold the same kind of power. Back then, the government controlled the entire country. Today, these leaders can’t even agree on who will be chair or deputy, yet they talk of founding a national party,” Madobe remarked.
Despite his criticism, the Jubbaland leader expressed openness to dialogue, urging President Hassan Sheikh and the federal leadership to choose negotiation over confrontation.
“I’m ready to sit down and talk with the Federal Government leadership. Puntland shares that view, and so do many opposition politicians. Dialogue is the only way forward. No clan ever completely defeated another during our civil wars—it never happened. So Mr. President, if you’re ready to talk, the table is set,” Madobe concluded.
Madobe’s remarks come amid growing reports that the Federal Government and some Federal Member State leaders are indeed laying groundwork to launch a major political party ahead of future elections.
