Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, has made headlines today  by challenging the legitimacy of the upcoming Jubaland elections. Speaking at a military ceremony attended by military officials and dignitaries, Barre critiqued Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s continued leadership, citing constitutional violations.He pointed to Article 70 of Jubaland’s constitution which imposes a two-term limit on the presidency, arguing that Madobe, in power for nearly 12 years, lacked the authority to organize or participate in the upcoming electoral process. “An illegitimate process cannot yield legitimate results,” he emphasized, calling for adherence to democratic principles across Somalia.

Barre’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the federal government and Jubaland over election management. While the federal administration advocates for a one-person, one-vote system, Jubaland officials favor an indirect model, citing local governance preferences. This dispute highlights broader issues of federal control versus regional autonomy in Somalia’s political landscape.

Observers have raised concerns that federal intervention could destabilize the already fragile relationship between the central government and its semi-autonomous states. The absence of an immediate response from Jubaland adds to the anticipation of President Madobe’s reaction, which could shape the next phase of this political standoff.