Jubbaland declares itself a full government, not a federal member state, in a move that sharpens its clash with Somalia’s central authorities and intensifies the ongoing constitutional dispute. At a Sunday session, Jubbaland Parliament Speaker Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman announced that lawmakers approved amendments removing all references to “federal member state” from the regional charter, thereby establishing the entity as the Government of Jubbaland. He said the changes have been enacted and the new designation should be used in all official dealings, directing the regional cabinet to adopt the term immediately.
There was no immediate response from the federal government. This fresh decision follows a lengthy standoff that began in November 2024, when Jubbaland amended its constitution to override federal term limits and extend presidential terms. In that period, President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, was elected to a third term in a Mogadishu–opposed vote deemed unconstitutional by the federal government. Shortly thereafter, Mogadishu issued arrest warrants for Madobe and sought an Interpol Red Notice on charges including treason and leaking classified information to foreign entities. Jubbaland countered with its own warrants for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and suspended ties with the federal authorities, accusing Mogadishu of violating constitutional boundaries and weaponizing the judiciary.
The dispute soon escalated from legal action to armed conflict. Through late 2024 and 2025, Jubbaland forces—often supported by Ethiopian troops—fought Somali National Army units in Ras Kamboni, Dolow, Bardhere, and Beled Hawo. Federal officials accused Jubbaland fighters of attacking army positions, while Jubbaland accused Mogadishu of undermining regional autonomy. Large-scale clashes led to hundreds of Somali soldiers surrendering or fleeing across the Kenyan border.
The fighting drew attention from Kenya, where border towns felt the spillover. Nairobi began mediation efforts and hosted a rare meeting in Kismayo in October 2025 between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Madobe, with both sides pledging to pursue dialogue despite no breakthrough. The regional diplomacy reflected sustained pressure for dialogue amid rising tensions.
Amid the conflict, Jubbaland expanded its own security infrastructure. In October 2025, Madobe inaugurated a new headquarters for the Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency, touting it as one of the Horn of Africa’s most advanced intelligence centers and claiming it now outperforms Somalia’s national service in regional operations.
Jubbaland’s move to declare government status unfolds within a broader national constitutional crisis that emerged on March 30, 2024, when the federal parliament passed amendments strengthening presidential powers and shifting toward universal suffrage. Puntland rejected the reforms, severed recognition of the federal government, and began operating independently. Jubbaland later allied with opposition groups warning that the amendments risk deepening instability and creating parallel legal systems.
With Jubbaland asserting its government status, Somalia faces intensified internal divisions at a moment when sustaining consensus is critical for finalizing a permanent constitution, coordinating nationwide security, and sustaining momentum against al-Shabaab.
