KISMAYO (Kaab TV) – Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe announced the formation of a new electoral commission last night, signaling the start of preparations for the regional presidential election.
The Jubaland’s seven-member commission is tasked with overseeing the electoral process, though an official date for the election has not yet been confirmed.
In the appointment letter dated November 9, President Madobe cited the Jubaland constitution, asserting the federal member state’s right to establish its own electoral body and conduct elections independently of Mogadishu.
“As states the Jubaland State constitution, and having seen the need for establishing an electoral and boundaries commission, I hereby appoint the Jubaland State Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” stated president Madobe on Saturday night.
The appointment letter underscores Jubaland’s intent to preserve its autonomy amid federal pressures.
Madobe’s decision represents a clear move to initiate an independent electoral process in Jubaland, countering Mogadishu’s push to impose a federally appointed commission—a central point of contention between the Somali federal government and Jubaland’s regional administration.
Federal Government Rejects
By midnight, the Federal Ministry of Interior responded with a counter-statement, deeming Jubaland’s commission unauthorized and calling on local clans to “stand up and defend their rights.”
“The Federal Government clarifies that the term of Ahmed Madobe has ended in August 2023 and since then he was in the office based on political agreement,” the Federal Ministry of Interior stated.
The ministry added that it will not accept ‘any illegal measures’ and condemned ‘the illegal move by Ahmed Madobe to appoint “his own re-election commission”, as per the statement.
Tension is reportedly high in Kismayo as mobilization of militia was reported in the past 24 hours.
Earlier on Friday, the Jubaland Ministry of Internal Security issued warnings against any armed violence and instructed its security forces to be on high alert, emphasizing its concern about the stability and the safety of the population amid rising tensions.
Last month, tensions escalated when Madobe, who has been in power since 2011 after Kenyan forces liberated Kismayo from Al-Shabaab, withdrew from the National Consultative Forum—a platform for dialogue between the federal government and member states—following a dispute with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over election arrangements.
Madobe opposed a federal proposal to extend his term by one year, rejecting the government’s plan to implement a uniformed elections next year.
In contrast, other federal member states, including Southwest State, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug, agreed to the extension despite already exceeding their original terms.
Puntland, which revoked its recognition of the Mogadishu-based federal government, had held its separate elections earlier this year.