![]() | This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: Many further events have been made.(July 2025) |
Jubaland crisis | |||||||||
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Part of the Somali Civil War and constitutional crisis in Somalia | |||||||||
![]() Location of Jubaland | |||||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Units involved | |||||||||
Supported by: ![]() | Gor Gor Brigade
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The Jubaland crisis is an ongoing armed conflict in southern Somalia. Stemming from a constitutional dispute between the Somali Federal Government (led by President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre) and the semi-autonomous state of Jubaland, following Ahmed Madobe's re-election to serve for a third term as Jubaland's president.
Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, adopted in 2012, established a federal system of government consisting of two levels: the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the semi-autonomous Federal Member States (FMS). Intended to prevent the reemergence of an authoritarian central government, such as that under former President Siad Barre, and to address historical grievances by devolving powers to member states, the provisional constitution provides limited provisions for implementing federalism, forcing the FGS to negotiate with the FMS. Coupled with the ambiguity of the document and disputes over power and resources, has led to competing interpretations of federal governance. Some state governments favor greater autonomy, even asserting control of powers designated for the FGS, while others support a stronger central government. These disagreements have contributed to recurring tensions between the federal and state governments over the past two decades. [6]
A constitutional crisis emerged in Somalia on 30 March 2024, when the Federal Parliament of Somalia approved a series of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing a more "stable political system". These changes included a return to universal suffrage, replacing the decades old clan-based electoral system, and granting the president authority to appoint the prime minister without requiring parliamentary approval. Critics argued that the reforms significantly expanded executive power. In response, the semi-autonomous state of Puntland announced the following day that it was withdrawing its recognition and confidence in the Federal Government of Somalia. It called for a "mutually accepted Somali constitution that is subject to a public referendum" and declared that, until such a constitution is in place, it would operate independently. [7] [8]
In October, the National Consultative Council (NCC) convened federal and state officials to discuss democratisation and security. During the meeting, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing electoral reforms. The NCC proposed a one-year extension of the terms of all state presidents until the universal suffrage system could be implemented, which was accepted by the leaders of Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and South West states. The proposal and constitutional amendments were rejected by Judaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Ahmed Madobe, who believed they would undermine regional autonomy. [6]
Defying the federal government, Judbaland amended its own constitution to override the two-term limit set by the FGS, extended presidential terms from four to five years, and proceeded with the presidential election on 25 November 2024, in which Madobe won a third term. [6] On 27 November 2024, the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, accusing him of treason, violating the constitutional framework, leaking classified information to foreign actors, and undermining national unity. [6] [9]
The following day, the government of Jubaland suspended relations and cooperation with the federal government. [10] Furthermore, a court in Kismayo, the regional capital of Jubaland, announced a $100,000 reward for the arrest of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of treason, undermining national unity, and conspiring with Al-Shabaab militia. [11] [12]
On 9 January 2025, the Jubaland State Cabinet has accused Somalia’s federal government of using international humanitarian aid meant for Jubaland's people to support armed conflicts in the region. [13] [14]
The Somali federal government had earlier announced the delivery of 700 tons of food aid from the United Arab Emirates. [15] They said Jubaland received 300 tons, and Puntland received 200 tons. However, both Jubaland and Puntland denied receiving the aid. [16]
Jubaland also accused the Somali Civil Aviation Authority of stopping flights to their region for political reasons. Officials said the federal government pressured airlines not to operate in Jubaland cities, making it harder for people to travel. [17]
Additionally, the Jubaland government said that federal authorities have stopped important development projects in the region as punishment for disagreements over ongoing constitution dispute. [18]