MOGADISHU, Somalia – Senior advisers to Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre have resigned from their positions due to escalating political tensions with Jubaland, a regional state member, over violations of the unified electoral system.
Shamsa Abdulkadir Dahir, Senior Adviser on Women’s Affairs and Human Rights, announced her resignation, citing widespread injustice, abuse of power, and constant interference. She stated that she was deprived of her rights and subjected to workplace harassment because of her Jubaland origins.
“My constitutional employment rights were violated,” Dahir explained. “I could no longer tolerate the Somali government’s targeting of the Jubaland community, which I represent in this office. The government’s actions toward Jubaland are unlawful.”
Tubec Dahir Irshad, another adviser in the Prime Minister’s office, also resigned, citing personal reasons related to the ongoing political situation in Jubaland. He condemned the government’s attack on his home region.
Irshad stressed that personal interests should not undermine years of development. “I have been in office since 2019, and I made this decision in support of my home region,” he said. “I hope to leave behind anything that could harm others and focus on what will drive progress.”
Earlier this month, Abdirashid Jire Qaline, State Minister for Planning, and Ahmed Osman Daqare, Deputy Minister of Education, both from Jubaland constituencies, resigned from their posts for similar reasons.
Tensions intensified on Monday when Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe conducted indirect elections, securing a third term in office. This move angered Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
President Mohamud declared Madobe’s re-election invalid, as it defied the federal government’s unified electoral model. In response, Mohamud deployed military and police units to Ras Kamboni town in Lower Jubba, about 274 km south of Kismayo.
Madobe, a renowned firebrand, sent his own forces to the area, establishing defensive positions to block any movement toward Kismayo. Since Monday, both sides have been in a tense standoff following his re-election.
In 2013, during his first term, President Mohamud clashed with Madobe when he refused to step down, leading to several days of fighting in Kismayo. Madobe ultimately held his ground and has continued to lead Jubaland since.
