International Partners Urge Dialogue Amid Somalia-Jubaland Electoral Dispute

By Dawan Africa - Reporter

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-International partners have expressed alarm over the escalating tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State following the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting.

They called for constructive and inclusive discussions to address disagreements over the electoral process.

In a statement, the partners urged Jubaland to rejoin the NCC for open discussions and to restore ties with the FGS. They emphasized the importance of refraining from provocations and engaging in dialogue before finalizing any electoral processes.

The statement supports Somalia’s state-building goals, including advancing toward one-person, one-vote elections through participatory systems. It called for electoral processes to be inclusive, widely accepted, and aligned with a viable timeline that ensures national security and stability.

The appeal comes as Jubaland continues its electoral preparations, with plans to re-elect President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) on November 25. The region’s parliamentary leadership is expected to be selected today.

Jubaland and Puntland have opposed the FGS, with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre recently criticizing Jubaland’s leader for remaining in office since the state’s foundation in 2013.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his government’s commitment to holding one-person, one-vote elections despite security challenges and opposition from some Federal Member States.