Wednesday November 27, 2024
FILE - : Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam "Madobe" (left) and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (right) meet during a past discussion on federal-state relations.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Jubaland First Instance Court has issued an arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of treason, inciting rebellion, and undermining constitutional governance. Initially published on Jubaland State Television’s official Facebook page, the warrant marks a major escalation in the ongoing political and military standoff between Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration.The warrant, dated November 27, 2024, accuses Mohamud of violating multiple articles of the Somali Penal Code, including Articles 1, 48, 49, 50, 87, 96, 120, 184, 186, 190, 217, 218, 221, 222, and 223. Specific charges include:
- Treason (Khayaamo Qaran): Alleged acts hostile to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
- Rebellion and Sedition (Khawaarijta): Participation in activities aimed at destabilizing the state.
- Crimes Against the Constitution: Actions intended to disrupt governance and incite insurrection.
The court alleges that Mohamud incited violence, promoted rebellion, and undermined Somalia’s national security. The directive, signed by Dr. Muuse Osman Gedi, Chairperson of the Jubaland First Instance Court, calls for immediate action by the Jubaland State Police to apprehend Mohamud and ensure his appearance before the court.
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe has not yet commented on either the reprisal warrant or the arrest warrant issued against him.
The warrant represents a historic first in Somalia’s political history, with a sitting president facing legal charges from a regional court. It comes in response to Mogadishu’s own arrest warrant for Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, whom federal authorities have accused of treason and defying constitutional term limits by securing a third term in office.
Observers view the warrant against Mohamud as a retaliatory measure in the escalating conflict between Jubaland and the federal government. Jubaland leaders have framed Mogadishu’s actions as federal overreach, while federal officials argue that Jubaland’s leadership is undermining Somalia’s broader governance efforts.
The legal conflict is unfolding alongside heightened military tensions. Federal forces, including elite Haram’ad and Gorgor units, have been deployed to strategic areas in Jubaland, particularly Ras Kamboni near the Kenyan border. Jubaland has responded by reportedly mobilizing its own forces, raising fears of a broader conflict in the already volatile region.
Neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia maintain a military presence in Jubaland and recognize its strategic position as a buffer zone against Al-Shabaab militants.
The escalating dispute has drawn condemnation from international partners, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union. In a joint statement, these organizations urged Somalia’s federal and regional leaders to re-engage in dialogue through the National Consultative Council, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could further destabilize the country.
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that the arrest warrant issued by the Jubaland First Instance Court for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had not been officially publicized through Jubaland's formal channels. However, it has been confirmed that the warrant was first published on the official Facebook page of Jubaland State Television, the semi-autonomous administration's official media outlet. The updated version of the article reflects this clarification.
