The presidents of Somalia’s Galmudug and Jubbaland regional states have warned the federal government against pursuing what they described as a unilateral electoral process, amid growing political tensions over the country’s future elections.
Speaking on the ongoing political situation, Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor said the mandates of several government institutions and regional administrations had expired, arguing that no political group should attempt to lead the country through a one-sided process.
Mr Qoorqoor stressed that Somalia required an inclusive and negotiated electoral agreement involving all political stakeholders, warning that the country could not afford further political disputes or decisions made without broad consultation.
“The terms of office are over. Nothing will be done by one-sided parties; only inclusive elections can be carried out,” he said.
His remarks come amid increasing debate over the structure and timing of Somalia’s next elections, with opposition figures and some regional leaders expressing concern over the federal government’s handling of the process.
Meanwhile, Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe also criticised the administration of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, rejecting what he described as a pre-arranged electoral outcome.
“Mr.Hassan, before you there were stronger leaders who could not dictate the terms, so put down your plans. An election with a known candidate will not work,” Mr Madobe said, referring directly to the Somali president.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet publicly responded to the comments.
The latest statements highlight deepening divisions between Somalia’s federal leadership and some regional administrations as negotiations over the country’s electoral model continue.
