MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland’s Minister of Information, Aydid Dirir, has accused Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of being used as a pawn in political efforts against the re-election of Ahmed Madobe as President of Jubaland, amid tensions over Madobe’s defiance of Somalia’s new electoral system.
In an interview with Shabelle Media, Dirir condemned PM Barre’s call for an arrest warrant against Madobe, stating such measures should be directed at Al-Shabaab leaders instead, as they continue their war against the Somali government.
Dirir criticized Barre’s lack of political vision, claiming he is merely following orders from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He argued that if anyone should be arrested, it’s Al-Shabaab, given the ongoing suicide attacks in Mogadishu.
“Both Mohamud and Barre are undermining the federal system and sowing division,” Dirir warned, suggesting their actions could lead Somalia down a path of destruction.
Dirir also condemned the recent deployment of troops to Ras Kamboni, a town in the Lower Jubba region under Madobe’s control, which occurred without his consent. He stated, “The country’s military forces should be focused on fighting terrorism, not pursuing political agendas outside their mandate.”
The deployment of hundreds of troops to Ras Kamboni has escalated tensions between the Somali government and Jubaland.In response, Jubaland has deployed its forces to the area, leading to a standoff.
On Tuesday, Jubaland forces clashed with troops airlifted from Mogadishu after government forces were ambushed while patrolling the town.
Sources familiar with the situation say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is determined to remove Ahmed Madobe due to his opposition to the one-person, one-vote electoral system. Madobe views his re-election as constitutional and remains committed to leading Jubaland for another five years.
The ongoing political conflict has shifted focus away from security concerns, giving Al-Shabaab militants a chance to regroup as military operations in the region are disrupted.
Meanwhile, social media reports suggest that 1,000 troops loyal to Madobe are heading to Ras Kamboni, believing that the police and military units already deployed there are trapped. With the sea blocking one route and Al-Shabaab strongholds closing in from the other, the stranded forces have no escape, leaving Madobe’s troops hoping to take advantage of the situation.
