Jubbaland Accuses Federal Government of Targeting Puntland | Somali Report
Jubbaland has accused Somalia's Federal Government of redirecting political pressure toward Puntland after failing to achieve its objectives in Jubbaland, adding to growing tensions between Mogadishu and the Federal Member States.
Kismayo (Somali Report) — Jubbaland has accused Somalia's Federal Government of shifting its political confrontation from Jubbaland to Puntland after, it claims, failing to achieve its objectives through military means, further highlighting the widening political divisions between Mogadishu and key Federal Member States.
The accusation was made by Jubbaland's Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, in a statement criticizing the federal administration's handling of political disputes with regional states.
According to the minister, the Federal Government initially sought to resolve its disagreement with Jubbaland through military measures but was unsuccessful due to resistance from Jubbaland's security forces and local population. He argued that, following those efforts, the federal authorities have now turned their attention toward exerting political pressure on Puntland.
Mukhtar said Puntland's administration and its people are equally prepared to defend their political institutions and governance structures against what he described as attempts to undermine regional stability and constitutional order. He maintained that political disagreements should not be addressed through coercive measures, warning that such an approach risks deepening divisions within Somalia's federal system.
Addressing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directly, the Jubbaland minister called for dialogue and political engagement instead of pressure and confrontation. He argued that sustainable political solutions require compromise, consultation and mutual respect among Somalia's federal institutions and regional administrations.
Mukhtar also warned that decisions taken during the current political climate could have long-term consequences for the country's unity and governance, urging national leaders to consider the broader implications of escalating tensions.
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His remarks come as relations between the Federal Government and several Federal Member States remain strained. Jubbaland and Puntland have repeatedly accused Mogadishu of interfering in their internal political affairs, administrative processes and constitutional mandates, allegations that have become increasingly prominent during recent debates over governance reforms and national political processes.
The Federal Government, however, has consistently defended its policies, stating that its actions are intended to safeguard Somalia's Provisional Constitution, strengthen national institutions and ensure the consistent implementation of federal laws across the country. Officials in Mogadishu have also maintained that dialogue remains the preferred avenue for resolving political disagreements.
The dispute between the Federal Government and Jubbaland has persisted for several years, driven by disagreements over electoral processes, security arrangements, constitutional authority and the distribution of powers between the federal administration and Federal Member States. Puntland has likewise voiced growing concerns in recent months regarding constitutional reforms and the direction of Somalia's state-building process.
Political observers say the latest exchange of accusations reflects the continuing challenges facing Somalia's federal system as leaders seek consensus on key constitutional and governance issues. They argue that sustained political confrontation between Mogadishu and regional administrations risks undermining efforts to strengthen national institutions, improve security coordination and advance state-building.
Analysts have urged all sides to prioritize dialogue, compromise and constitutional mechanisms to prevent further escalation, warning that prolonged political disputes could negatively affect national stability and public confidence in government institutions.
As of publication, Somalia's Federal Government had not officially responded to the latest allegations made by the Jubbaland Information Minister. The statement is nevertheless expected to intensify political debate between Mogadishu and the Federal Member States at a time when Somalia is navigating a sensitive period marked by constitutional discussions, security challenges and preparations for future political processes.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.