Jubaland accuses Somalia’s president of undermining constitution, warns of one-party rule

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Thursday May 15, 2025

FILE — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe

Garowe (HOL) —Jubaland’s regional government has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of violating the country’s federal constitution and steering the nation toward one-party rule, warning the move could destabilize Somalia at a time of deepening insecurity.

The accusations follow the launch of a new political party in Mogadishu this week by senior federal leaders aligned with the president. Jubaland, in a statement issued Wednesday, described the event as “a constitutional overreach” and warned it undermines national unity and distracts from critical efforts to combat al-Shabab militants.

“This is a dangerous deviation from the constitutional order,” the statement read. “Rather than uniting the country to address the worsening security crisis, the president appears to be consolidating political power under a centralized system.”

Jubaland said the initiative bypasses Somalia’s bicameral parliament, which it described as “paralyzed” after being stripped of its role in overseeing the executive and safeguarding the constitution.

The statement called on Somali political actors and civil society to rally in defence of constitutional governance. It also called on the international community to offer meaningful support during what it described as a pivotal moment for Somalia’s democratic trajectory.

“Now, more than ever, the Somali people need partners who will stand with them, not remain silent,” the statement said. “The path being pursued threatens the democratic gains we’ve fought hard to achieve.”

The federal government has not publicly responded to the criticism. The creation of the new party comes as Somalia prepares to implement electoral reforms, with regional states voicing growing concern about the centralization of power in Mogadishu.

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