Jubaland President Chairs Cabinet Meeting Amid Tensions in Gedo Region

By: CitizenSom Newsroom

Kismayo, Jubaland — The President of the Jubaland State of Somalia, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), today chaired the weekly Council of Ministers meeting in the state capital, focusing on critical political and security developments in the Gedo region, as well as key legislative matters.

According to an official statement from the Jubaland State House, the meeting placed significant emphasis on what the government termed a “blatant invasion” by forces loyal to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Jubaland leadership accused the Federal Government of continuing its controversial military deployment in the Gedo region without coordination with local authorities, describing it as an escalation that undermines federalism and threatens regional peace.

The tension follows the recent arrival of heavily armed Harmacad forces—Somalia’s elite police unit—in parts of Gedo, particularly in Garbaharey. These are the same forces previously deployed in Ras Kamboni in 2024 under federal command during a highly contested security operation. That deployment sparked fierce political debate and accusations of overreach by Villa Somalia. Jubaland officials at the time condemned the action as unconstitutional and an infringement on the autonomy of federal member states.

Today's cabinet meeting further reiterated Jubaland’s position that any federal security presence in Gedo must be carried out in full consultation with the Jubaland administration, and warned that unilateral actions risk further destabilizing the region.

In addition to addressing the security situation, the Council of Ministers also passed the new Transport and Aviation Law, submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. The law aims to modernize and regulate the aviation and transport sectors across Jubaland, ensuring improved safety standards, infrastructure development, and clearer jurisdictional control.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Abdi Osman Bulle, welcomed the approval and stated that the law would play a pivotal role in advancing regional connectivity and economic growth.

“The passage of this law will allow us to better manage airspace, airports, and road transport systems under a legal framework tailored to Jubaland’s needs,” Minister Bulle said.

The developments in today’s meeting come amid growing concerns from residents and local elders in Gedo, who have repeatedly called for a de-escalation of tensions and the restoration of meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government and Jubaland authorities.

Political observers warn that unless mediated swiftly, the standoff could further strain Somalia’s fragile federal system and derail efforts to build national cohesion ahead of the next round of electoral processes.