Jubbaland has strongly criticised Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing his administration of worsening the country’s political divisions and security challenges instead of pursuing national reconciliation and strengthening state institutions.
Jubbaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, said the president had prioritised political power struggles and confrontation over efforts to build national consensus, improve security and unite the Somali people.
In a statement, the minister criticised the federal government’s handling of disputes with regional administrations and opposition politicians, arguing that its approach had contributed to growing instability.
He pointed to tensions in Baidoa, Barawe, Beledweyne, Marka and Mogadishu as examples of how political disagreements have increasingly affected security and governance across the country.
Mukhtar also condemned the deteriorating relationship between the federal government and the administrations of Jubbaland and Puntland.
He argued that Hassan Sheikh had failed to resolve these disputes through meaningful dialogue and political compromise.
The minister placed particular emphasis on the role of Somalia’s national security forces, insisting that they should not be used to protect political positions or advance the interests of one side in disputes between rival political groups.
He called for disagreements to be addressed through dialogue and respect for the law and Constitution rather than military force.
He also warned that any actions resulting in bloodshed or further damage to the country would carry both legal and historical consequences.
Jubbaland’s criticism comes as Somalia faces an intensifying political dispute over constitutional amendments, the electoral framework and the terms of office of federal institutions.
Jubbaland and Puntland have remained at odds with the federal government for an extended period, particularly over the distribution of political authority, constitutional changes and the organisation of national elections.
A November assessment by the Security Council Report also highlighted the continuing disagreements over constitutional arrangements, political mandates and the electoral process.
The dispute has gained further momentum following a Supreme Court ruling on the terms of office of Somalia’s federal leadership.
The court rejected the application of the 2026 constitutional amendments to the current officeholders, adding another dimension to the ongoing disagreement over the country’s political transition.
Jubbaland’s latest statement indicates that its objections extend beyond the federal government’s proposed constitutional and electoral arrangements.
The administration is also challenging how President Hassan Sheikh’s government has handled political and security tensions in different parts of the country.
The accusations, however, represent Jubbaland’s political position and have not been independently established as facts.
The federal government has previously defended its political approach and electoral plans, maintaining that outstanding disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and political consultation.