Their absence coincides with an ongoing national political conflict between the federal government and several regional member states over constitutional amendments, elections, and power-sharing frameworks.

The event was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, as well as the leaders of Hirshabelle, South West State, and Waqooyi Bari. Other federal officials and former politicians were also present.

The absence of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam raised questions regarding why they skipped a gathering that brought together federal officials and leaders of other regional states.

Although no official statement explicitly detailed the exact rationale for their absence, the event is being viewed through the lens of long-standing political friction, particularly surrounding the relationship between the two regional administrations and the federal government.

Relations between the federal government and the Puntland and Jubaland administrations have faced ongoing political hurdles. Both regional states have repeatedly expressed opposition to central government measures concerning constitutional revisions and electoral models.

They argue that major national decisions require inclusive consultations and consensus involving all political stakeholders, particularly federal member states.

The federal government maintains that institutional reforms and electoral adjustments form part of the broader framework to advance governance systems in Somalia.

These differing perspectives have strained intergovernmental cooperation, leaving unanswered questions regarding how a political consensus satisfactory to both the central government and regional member states can be reached.

Puntland and Jubaland are part of the Somali Future Council, an alliance that includes opposition politicians. The council has previously expressed concern regarding the country’s political trajectory and the management of constitutional and electoral processes.

Factions united within this council have called for an inclusive dialogue to resolve existing disputes and reach an agreement on the electoral framework and the nation’s political future.

Attempts to negotiate an end to the dispute have faced challenges, as political stakeholders remain at an impasse on core issues. This has further complicated relations between the federal government and the leadership of the two states.

Consequently, the absence of Deni and Madobe in Dhusamareb can be interpreted as aligned with existing political disagreements, although it has not been confirmed whether this was the sole reason for their absence.

Primary drivers of the political conflict include national electoral frameworks and constitutional amendments.

Puntland and Jubaland are demanding a clear political agreement governing elections, the division of powers between central and regional authorities, and the management of upcoming political transitions.

Opposition elements and the Future Council have also warned that major decisions made without consensus could deepen political fragmentation.

Conversely, the federal government argues that political transitions and elections require moving beyond previous frameworks toward a new electoral system.

The clash between these two positions has made constitutional and electoral matters the primary points of contention between the central government and several regional administrations.

Liibaan Ahmed Hassan was elected as the new leader of Galmudug on October 22, 2026, securing 72 out of 89 votes cast by members of the regional parliament.

His election followed legal and political disputes that marred the Galmudug parliamentary elections on July 30. The Supreme Court of Somalia annulled those election results and ordered new parliamentary elections.

The repeated parliamentary elections were held on September 30, paving the way for the election of Galmudug’s new leader.

Liibaan succeeded Ahmed Abdi Kaariye ‘Qoorqoor’, who had led the Galmudug administration since 2020.

The inauguration ceremony took place amidst national political disputes that continue to influence relations between the federal government and regional member states.

Somalia faces security challenges requiring broad cooperation, particularly in the campaign against Al-Shabaab and securing various regions. Should political friction persist, achieving full coordination between central and regional authorities could prove challenging.

Furthermore, there remains an immediate need for political stakeholders to achieve consensus on electoral models and constitutional issues to prevent political disputes from impacting institutional governance.

The post Puntland and Jubaland Absent From the Inauguration of the new Leader of Galmudug: What Lies Behind their Absence? appeared first on Kaab TV.