Monday, June 15, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -President of Jubbaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, has strongly rejected recent remarks by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud questioning the legitimacy of the Jubbaland administration, escalating political tensions between Kismayo and Mogadishu.
Speaking during a ceremony marking the graduation of approximately 700 Jubbaland security personnel, Ahmed Madobe dismissed claims that his administration lacks recognition from the Federal Government.
“President Hassan Sheikh, I do not need recognition from you. The people of Jubbaland elected me, and they are the ones who recognize me,” Madobe said.
The Jubbaland leader accused President Hassan Sheikh of exceeding his mandate and operating without sufficient political legitimacy, while defending the autonomy and constitutional standing of the regional administration.
During the event, Madobe also showcased armored military vehicles and security assets, a move widely viewed as a demonstration of Jubbaland’s readiness to protect its authority amid growing political disputes with the Federal Government.
The display comes against the backdrop of an ongoing power struggle between Mogadishu and several federal member states. Political observers note that the Federal Government has increasingly relied on newly acquired military capabilities in efforts to strengthen its influence across the country.
Critics of the Federal Government point to previous interventions in regional political affairs, including developments in Baidoa, where federal forces equipped with Turkish-supplied armored vehicles were reportedly deployed during periods of political tension. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the federal government’s relationship with other regional administrations, including Galmudug.
Madobe’s remarks and military display are likely to further intensify the political standoff between Jubbaland and the Federal Government, as debates continue over federalism, constitutional authority, and the balance of power between Mogadishu and Somalia’s regional states.
The latest exchange underscores the deepening divisions within Somalia’s political landscape at a time when national leaders are facing ongoing security, governance, and state-building challenges.
