The formation of Jubbaland’s 3rd Parliament has been hailed by former Somali leaders and regional lawmakers as a milestone in Somalia’s state-building efforts, though it has also reignited tensions between federal and regional authorities.
The 75-member legislature, selected by traditional elders and sworn in this week in Kismayo, is expected to play a critical role in shaping the governance and development of Jubbaland, a semi-autonomous state in southern Somalia.
Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, leader of the Himilo Qaran Party, praised the process, underscoring the importance of adhering to the Somali Transitional Constitution. Sheikh Sharif highlighted the work of the Jubbaland Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission, describing it as a testament to the viability of regional constitutions in regulating state-level governance.
“We urge all federal leaders to respect the constitutional framework that guides our federalism,” the Himilo Qaran Party said in a statement.
Ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire echoed similar sentiments, congratulating the new parliamentarians and urging them to focus on governance, institutional development, and public welfare. He described Jubbaland’s achievement as a model for other states, including Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South-West, where electoral processes remain incomplete or stalled.
“The progress made in Jubbaland demonstrates that with commitment and respect for constitutional norms, Somalia can achieve greater political stability,” Khaire noted.
Puntland’s parliament also extended its congratulations, emphasizing the significance of Jubbaland’s legislature in Somalia’s broader effort to solidify its federal structure and prepare for national elections.
However, the Jubbaland electoral process has not been without controversy. Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has dismissed the formation of the parliament, accusing Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe of exceeding his constitutional authority by seeking re-election.
Barre invoked Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms. Madobe, who has served since 2013, is facing mounting criticism for what federal officials describe as efforts to prolong his tenure and consolidate power.
“The ongoing electoral process in Jubbaland is illegitimate and serves personal interests rather than the national agenda,” Barre said.
Madobe’s supporters, however, argue that his leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing Jubbaland and fostering a functioning federalism in Somalia, pointing to his critical role in combating the Al-Shabaab insurgency in the region.
The Jubbaland parliamentary formation comes amid increasing calls to expedite electoral processes across Somalia’s other federal member states. Regional assemblies are integral to Somalia’s federal structure, tasked with electing state presidents and contributing to the selection of federal lawmakers and the president.
Observers note that Jubbaland’s progress could set a precedent for addressing the country’s political deadlock. However, federal-regional disagreements, particularly over term limits and electoral legitimacy, risk further destabilizing Somalia’s fragile governance framework.
The new Jubbaland legislature is expected to convene in the coming weeks to tackle pressing issues, including regional security, economic development, and the controversial presidential elections. Whether it can navigate these challenges without exacerbating federal tensions will be a critical test of Somalia’s evolving federal system.
