MOGADISHU, Somalia – Jubaland, a federal member state of Somalia, has issued an arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in retaliation for a similar decision by a Mogadishu-based court, which sought the arrest of the region’s leader, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, on charges of ‘treason.’
The First District Courthouse in Kismayo issued its own arrest warrant against President Mohamud for treason and other serious crimes, including aiding the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, undermining the country’s unity, and violating the Federal Constitution.
Tensions escalated on Monday when Madobe conducted indirect elections in Jubaland, securing a third term in power. This move further angered President Mohamud. Regional lawmakers elected Madobe en masse, according to the published results on Monday.
President Mohamud deemed Madobe’s re-election invalid, as it openly defied the federal government’s model for unified elections in Somalia. In response, Mohamud deployed both military and police units to Ras Kamboni town in Lower Jubba, located about 274 km south of Kismayo.
Madobe, a renowned firebrand, sent his own forces to the area and established defensive positions to block any movement toward Kismayo. Since Monday, both sides have been in a tense standoff following his re-election.
During his first term in 2013, President Mohamud clashed with Madobe when he refused to step down, sparking several days of fighting in Kismayo. Madobe ultimately held his ground and has continued to lead Jubaland since.
However, concerns are growing that Kismayo could see a repeat of the 2013 clashes. Despite calls to avoid bloodshed, the standoff between Madobe and Mohamud threatens the city’s stability, with risks of civilian displacement and casualties.
