Ahmed Madobe Archives - Kaab TV

Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe: “We Are Not Guests in Mogadishu — We Are Safeguarding Somalia’s Statehood”

Staff Reporter — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:50:38 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), has stated that his visit to Mogadishu is aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s statehood and seeking a sustainable solution to the country’s ongoing political challenges.

Speaking at a dinner event attended by members of the Somali Salvation Council and lawmakers who describe themselves as independent members of the Federal Parliament, the president emphasized that any action threatening the unity and statehood of Somalia would not be acceptable.

“We have come to Mogadishu to protect Somalia’s statehood and to find solutions to the existing disputes. We will not allow the country’s statehood to be undermined,” President Ahmed Madobe said.

Addressing his presence in the capital, he firmly remarked, “We are not guests in Mogadishu; we are staying in our own hotel,” underscoring his position regarding ownership of the capital and participation in the country’s key decision-making processes.

He also called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to join the dialogue platform, noting that the current situation resembles that of 2021, when President Hassan Sheikh was part of the opposition to the administration of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmaajo).

The dinner gathering carried strong political messaging, reflecting consultations between opposition leaders and some members of Parliament at a time when the country faces political disputes related to elections and the constitutional review process.

So far, no official date has been announced for the conference previously declared by the Federal Government of Somalia, which is expected to deliberate on critical national issues, particularly the electoral framework and constitutional arrangements.

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A Ship Adrift Docks in Kismayo

Abdirahman Warsame — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:54:26 +0000

MOGADISHU – For those trying to decipher President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s (HSM) sudden trip to Kismayo, confusion is the natural response. It only seems illogical if one assumes his presidency is guided by a consistent, long-term strategy.

A closer look reveals a different story: this visit is not a pivot, but a symptom of a leadership style that has left the President isolated and his authority weakened.

Upon his return to office, HSM abandoned the patient work of statecraft for a doctrine of deliberate unpredictability and centralized control. He is now reaping the consequences: eroded credibility, alienated allies, and a profound isolation that threatens not just his administration, but the fragile stability of the nation.

The False Allure of Unpredictability

HSM operates on a theory that keeping everyone, friends and foes and allies alike, perpetually off-balance is the key to power. This approach prizes momentary tactical advantage over coherent strategy.

However, while chaos can secure a short-term win, it systematically corrodes the foundations of sustainable governance. When no one can predict your next move, no one can build reliable alliances with you. By choosing erratic maneuverability over sound strategy, the President has not strengthened his hand; he has introduced a critical liability into the heart of government.

The Kismayo visit is the ultimate proof of this failure. This is not statesmanship; it is tactical improvisation born of necessity. Having alienated a broad political spectrum through broken commitments and impulsive decisions, the President finds his options narrowing. This trip is not a genuine overture for a durable settlement; it is the act of a leader forced to abruptly reverse his own policy to secure a temporary lifeline.

A Currency in Crisis: The Erosion of Trust

A leader’s most vital asset is trust. President HSM has squandered this long-term capital on short-term tactical gains. By demonstrating that his word is secondary to the whim of the moment, he has shattered his own credibility.

The result is a critical negotiation deficit. How can the Jubbaland administration, or any other regional leader, trust a partner whose positions are so transient? Today’s adversary is tomorrow’s negotiating partner not because of a shift in the national interest, but because of a shift in the President’s calculus.

Somalia’s problems run far deeper than fragile institutions or the absence of state capacity

This capriciousness reveals that the conflict with Jubbaland was never truly institutional; it was personal. And now, this reconciliation appears equally personal, a photo opportunity offering a fleeting respite from his growing isolation.

Governing by Whim

Enduring power is built through strong, impersonal institutions. President HSM has rejected this principle, treating power not as a tool for governance but as a personal commodity. Key positions have been awarded not on merit, but as rewards for personal loyalty.

He is neither a principled statesman building capable institutions nor a strategic autocrat forging a durable political machine. His appointments lack any coherent philosophy, serving neither a grand vision nor a clear plan for effective governance. This approach is akin to a millionaire squandering his wealth on sycophants; once the patronage runs dry, the support evaporates, leaving a hollow and transient power base.

Compounding this strategic failure is an alarming personal dimension. The President’s unpredictability often seems less a calculated tactic and more a product of personal mood swings. Somali statecraft has become vulnerable to the impulses of one man.

In this climate of perpetual insecurity, the primary survival skill for his inner circle is to feed the President’s self-image. Trapped by this flattery, he is shielded from harsh realities. The consequence is a political landscape where friends and foes are indistinguishable, and decisions are made not for the nation’s benefit, but to survive the daily whims of the leader.

A Trap of His Own Making

President HSM’s quest for total control through unpredictability and personal whim has proven self-defeating. The conditional loyalty he commands, built on fear and fleeting patronage, is already fracturing. Having built no durable institutions and fostered no genuine alliances, he finds himself increasingly isolated.

His boat, adrift and directionless, has now docked in Kismayo. But we must ask: for how long, and to what end? Without a consistent strategy built on credible commitments, this visit is merely another unpredictable swing of the pendulum. It may generate a day’s headlines, but it will not rebuild the trust he has systematically broken. It is a tactic for political survival, not a blueprint for the stable governance Somalia so desperately needs. The nation remains trapped in the uncertainty of his whims.

——

Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame

A member of the Somali Federal Parliament, an opposition leader, the chairman of the Wadajir Party, and a presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections of 2026.

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Jubaland Second Vice President Abdiqadir Lugadheere Dies in Nairobi

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 18:05:58 +0000

KISMAYO (Kaab TV) – The Second Vice President of the Jubaland State, Abdiqadir Haji Mohamud (Lugadheere), has passed away in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, Jubaland President’s Office said.

A statement issued by the Office of the President of Jubaland confirmed that the Vice President had been receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Nairobi in recent days, where he passed away earlier today.

The President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, the people of Jubaland, and the entire Somali nation.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, the people of Jubaland, and the entire Somali nation on the sudden passing of the late Sultan Abdiqadir Haji Mohamud, the Second Vice President of the Jubaland State, who passed away today in Nairobi, Kenya, where he had been under medical care in recent days,” said Ahmed Madobe.

The President described the late Lugadheere as a hero who played a significant role in Jubaland’s reconciliation efforts and dedicated his life to unity, harmony, and the development of society.

“He was a committed leader who worked tirelessly to find solutions to ongoing challenges and to bring people together,” added President Madobe.

President Ahmed Madobe prayed that Allah grants the deceased His mercy and paradise, and gives patience and faith to his family, loved ones, the people of Jubaland, and the broader Somali community.

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Jubaland Vice President Urges Public to Join Fight Against Terrorism

Kaab TV News Editor — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:02:36 +0000

KISMAAYO (Kaab TV) – The Vice President of Jubaland, Abduqadir Haji Mohamed (Luga Dheere), has called on the public to take part in the ongoing fight against terrorist groups.

He made the remarks today while delivering a sermon at the presidential mosque in Kismaayo.

The Vice President said that extremist groups, who exploit the name of Islam, are launching attacks against the religion itself, using it as a cover for their acts of terrorism.

“The numerous enemies hiding behind religion — who reject both faith and life — must be confronted,” said Abduqadir Luga Dheere.

“I urge you to speak to the people and take the lead in this fight,” the Jubaland Vice President added.

President of Jubaland, Ahmed Madobe, is currently out of the country following his trip to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.

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Jubaland’s Ahmed Madobe Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Blocking Consensus with Puntland

Sadia Suleiman — Mon, 12 May 2025 15:42:39 +0000

KISMAYO (Kaab TV) – Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has launched a scathing criticism against Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of obstructing efforts to rebuild trust and consensus with Puntland’s leadership.

Speaking during a regional environmental conference held in Kismayo on Monday, Madobe claimed that President Hassan Sheikh derailed negotiations aimed at reuniting Somalia’s key federal actors around shared national priorities, including constitutional reform and upcoming elections.

“If someone can overstay their mandate, then why did we insist on removing our friend [former president] Farmaajo in 2022?” Madobe asked, questioning what he described as double standards regarding presidential term extensions.

Madobe warned that Somalia is heading in a dangerous direction, saying the risk of communal conflict is higher than ever.

He emphasized that no single Somali leader should impose decisions unilaterally and called for inclusive dialogue.

“We tried to bring Somalis back together for a national conversation on the constitution, elections, and the future of the country. But it ended with the federal leadership insisting, ‘We’re moving ahead regardless,’” he said.

“That attitude is dangerous—you can imagine where it might lead.”

Reflecting on his withdrawal from the October 2024 National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, Madobe said he faced repeated rejections when raising concerns about the constitutional process and political inclusion.

“We attempted to gather all sides so we could reach a consensus. But we failed to agree,” he noted. “I raised the issue of inclusivity in constitutional discussions—Somaliland was absent, and Puntland walked away. We needed real dialogue, not exclusion.”

The Jubaland leader also addressed internal political tensions in his own region. He criticized the Jubaland parliament’s decision to extend the presidential term from four to five years, claiming it was made without his consultation.

Madobe has boycotted NCC meetings since October 2024, deepening the rift between Kismayo and Mogadishu.

That divide widened further following his disputed re-election, which the federal government refused to recognize.

In December, the conflict escalated into an armed confrontation when federal forces deployed into Raskamboni town.

On December 11, Jubaland forces launched a surprise counter-attack, capturing hundreds of federal troops. Over 1,000 federal soldiers reportedly surrendered to Kenyan authorities, effectively halting the federal offensive.

READ MORE: Battle for Jubaland

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Somalia NCC Meeting Postponed Amid Political Disputes

Kaab TV News Editor — Thu, 01 May 2025 02:10:18 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was expected to officially open in Mogadishu tomorrow, Thursday, May 1, 2025, has been postponed.

This meeting was initially announced by president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A brief statement published on the official Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia announced the postponement, citing internal consultations among national leaders as the reason for the delay.

“The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was scheduled to officially begin in Mogadishu tomorrow, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 5, 2025, following consultations among the country’s leaders,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the postponement aims to allow more time for further dialogue on key issues to ensure unified outcomes that serve the interests of the Somali people and nation.

Some federal government sources told Kaab TV that the meeting was delayed partly due to pressure from the Puntland State House and Jubbaland, who insisted that the talks be relocated to Garowe — a proposal strongly opposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

International partners, who recently met with President Hassan Sheikh, have reportedly urged him to compromise for the sake of national unity, as the NCC summit has not convened since October 2024.

The last NCC meeting was held in October 2024, but a political dispute disrupted the session, leading President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland to withdraw and abruptly depart from Mogadishu.

The ongoing tensions between President Hassan Sheikh and federal member states have overshadowed preparations for the meeting and negatively impacted joint military operations against Al-Shabaab.

The growing political fragmentation continues to hinder Somalia’s path toward peace and reconciliation.

It remains unclear whether the rescheduled meeting will indeed take place on May 5, as previous attempts have also been postponed multiple times.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has only a year left in office, yet the type of election the country will hold has not been agreed upon.

Despite this, the federal government is moving ahead with its controversial unilateral electoral process without the approval of regional states and other political stakeholders.

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Jubbaland Crisis: Ahmed Madobe’s War of Words Against Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Kaab TV News Editor — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 23:09:12 +0000

KISMAYO (Kaab TV) – The political tensions between Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal government escalated on Friday as Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) delivered a blistering critique of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Speaking at the mosque within the Presidential Palace in Kismayo, Madobe accused Hassan Sheikh of prioritizing clan interests and personal gains over Somalia’s national unity and progress.

“Hassan Sheikh is a tribal mercenary serving his own clannish interests, subordinating the nation he represents to his personal agenda,” said Madobe.

The Jubbaland leader expressed grave concerns about the trajectory of the federal government, calling on the Somali people to resist Hassan Sheikh’s alleged attempts to destabilize the country.

The Jubbaland President described Hassan Sheikh as someone who has failed to separate national interests from his personal and family affairs.

Ahmed Madobe claimed that Hassan Sheikh has entangled his children and wives in state matters, contrasting this with his own conduct.… pic.twitter.com/WaIWCJYKEY

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) December 27, 2024

Madobe accused Hassan Sheikh of fueling clan conflicts to entrench his authority, describing him as “a war criminal who needs to be stopped from spreading corruption.”

He said that “Hassan Sheikh is instigating clan-based conflicts, arming people in peaceful areas, and looting the nation’s resources. He has even desecrated graves for his personal gain. His corruption extends into places of worship, and he shows no shame or self-awareness about his actions.”

The Jubbaland president also targeted Hassan Sheikh’s alleged entanglement of his family in state affairs, painting him as a leader who prioritizes personal and family interests over national responsibilities.

“Even if I haven’t achieved much for you, I’ve kept my family and clan out of government matters. Hassan Sheikh’s children and wives are looting everywhere. Have you ever seen a son or relative of mine meddling in Jubbaland’s administration? If a leader cannot manage his own household, what can he do for the nation?” Madobe asked.

The Struggle for Resources

The tensions between Ahmed Madobe and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are rooted in fundamental disagreements over federalism and governance.

Madobe, a staunch advocate of decentralization, supports a federal model granting significant autonomy to regions like Jubbaland.

Jubbaland forces in Raaskaambooni after defeating the Somalia federal forces and captured hundreds of them.

In contrast, Hassan Sheikh is perceived as favoring a centralized system that consolidates authority under Mogadishu.

This ideological rift has fueled persistent disputes over governance and resource control in Jubbaland.

Election-related controversies have further strained relations.

Madobe’s leadership has been repeatedly questioned by the federal government, which has cited irregularities and exclusivity in Jubbaland’s electoral processes.

The tensions between the two men are compounded by clan politics, with both leaders accused of leveraging clan allegiances to bolster their positions, exacerbating instability in the region.

Control over Jubbaland’s resources, particularly the strategic port city of Kismayo, remains a major flashpoint.

The federal government views the region as integral to national interests, while Madobe insists on managing Jubbaland’s resources autonomously.

This standoff has not only deepened the divide between the two leaders but also hampered efforts to build cooperative federal-state relations.

Earlier in December, President Ahmed Madobe’s Jubbaland forces defeated troops sent by Mogadishu to Raaskaambooni.

Jubbaland claims the federal forces were dispatched with the aim of capturing Kismayo and eventually arresting Madobe.

In response, the federal government, then led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, escalated efforts by deploying officials, including the security minister, to Gedo in another attempt to overthrow Madobe’s administration.

Tensions remain high as the standoff has resulted in deadly clashes. A week ago, both sides engaged in violent confrontations in Dollow, a town near the Ethiopian border, and in Kulbiyow, located in the Lower Jubba region close to the Kenyan border.

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Somalia Security Minister Arrives in Garbahaaray Amid Rising Tensions in Gedo

Kaab TV News Editor — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:26:13 +0000

BELED HAWO (Kaab TV) – The Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Security, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), arrived today in Garbahaaray, the administrative capital of the Gedo region.

The minister’s visit comes against the backdrop of intensifying tensions between the Federal Government and the Jubbaland administration.

The escalating political and military disputes have further deepened divisions in the region.

The ministerial delegation was initially scheduled to land in Baardheere, but Minister Fartaag reportedly refused to allow the plane to touch down there.

Instead, the plane rerouted and landed in Garbahaaray, a move that underscores the shifting dynamics in the conflict-ridden region.

The visit follows the Federal Government’s humiliating defeat in Raaskaambooni last week. In response, Somali authorities have been mobilizing troops across the Gedo region, aiming to wrest control of the area from Jubbaland’s administration.

The tension has escalated the ongoing power struggle between the Federal Government in Mogadishu and Jubbaland, whose leadership operates from Kismayo.

Observers fear that this latest development may ignite further hostilities in the region.

While the purpose of Minister Fartaag’s visit remains unclear, sources confirm the presence of Abdullahi Abdi Jama (Shimbir), the recently ousted governor of Gedo under Jubbaland, in Garbahaaray.

Insider reports suggest that additional federal troops are being assembled in strategic parts of the Gedo region.

The government appears to be planning an offensive to seize districts currently under Jubbaland’s control, a move that could further destabilize the already fragile region.

This unfolding situation highlights the deepening rift between Somali authorities and regional administrations, raising concerns about the broader implications for national stability.

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Local travelers stranded, flights suspended as tensions mount in Somalia’s Gedo

admin — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:04:58 +0000

DOOLOW (KAAB TV) – Hundreds of local travelers in the troubled Gedo region of Somalia have found themselves stranded in various towns for the fourth day, due to the suspension of local flights.

This decision was made by local authorities amidst an escalating dispute regarding Gedo’s rejection of the Ahmed Madobe-led Jubbaland administration.

The flight suspension began on Monday after Gedo authorities blocked the former Luuq district commissioner, who is believed to be pro-Ahmed Madobe. This action came in response to a total flight suspension imposed by the national intelligence (NISA) in Mogadishu, which is alleged to be favoring Madobe’s Jubbaland.

Governor Ahmed Bule Gared of Gedo accused Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and NISA Commander Mahad Salad of attempting to install Ahmed Madobe’s administration in Gedo. However, Gedo authorities thwarted this plan by initially blocking flights carrying the former Luuq district commissioner.

“We have the right to block anyone who attempts to disrupt our peace and stability in Gedo,” said Governor Gared.

He further alleged that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre was intervening in the region’s internal affairs in an effort to hand over the authority of Gedo to Ahmed Madobe’s Jubbaland in Kismayo.

On 30 May, Governor Garayd wrote to the minister of civil aviation expressing his concern.

As a result of this stalemate, hundreds of local travelers, including aid workers and ordinary individuals, have been affected in the towns of Luuq, Doolow, Beledhawo, Garbaharey, and Bardhere. According to local airlines, over 300 travelers use domestic flights daily to and from the region.

One affected resident, Abdirahman Abdullahi, expressed his frustration as his travel plans to Mogadishu for the annual religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia were disrupted due to the flight suspension and closure of airports in Gedo since Monday. If no solution is found by Saturday, he will be forced to embark on a long and perilous road journey through Galgadud region to reach Mogadishu.

“It’s long and perilous route,” says the 50-year-old businessman.

The closure of airports has had a significant impact as locals often prefer air travel, considering it the safest mode of transportation in many parts of the southern and central regions of the country. While government forces and allied militias control urban areas, the militant group al-Shabaab still holds sway over rural areas and the connecting roads between towns.

Hawo Guled Ali, another affected citizen, expressed her distress as she was unable to travel to Mogadishu for a proposed surgery with her doctor. She voiced concerns about her health and the unsafe nature of road travel.

The tensions in Gedo reflect both national political fault lines and local clan disputes, contributing to significant instability in Somalia. President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland, who comes from the Ogaden clan, lacks influence in Gedo, which is predominantly Marehan. The strained relations between these two clans have remained contentious since Madobe assumed control of Kismayo as the interim capital of Jubbaland in 2013. Gedo authorities do not recognize Madobe as the president of Jubbaland and continue to assert their self-rule.

Despite the current backing of Ahmed Madobe’s administration by the Hassan Sheikh Mohamud administration, attempts to impose his authority over Gedo have not been successful. As the political dispute between the parties remains unresolved, political analysts warn that it may escalate into armed violence.

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