Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre strongly criticized Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) during a handover ceremony for the Somali National Army leadership on Monday.

The Prime Minister condemned Jubaland’s preparations for parliamentary and presidential elections, describing them as unconstitutional and illegitimate.

Hamza accused President Madobe of refusing the Federal Government’s push for one-person, one-vote elections and of attempting to maintain power unlawfully.

Citing Jubaland’s constitution, the Prime Minister stated that a president is limited to two terms, a rule he alleged Madobe has violated by holding office beyond the constitutional limit.

“In regions like Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and even Somaliland, leadership transitions have taken place within constitutional frameworks. Jubaland remains stagnant under Ahmed Madobe, who manipulates the system for personal gains,” Hamza said, calling the planned elections in Kismayo a “political abduction.”

The Prime Minister urged Jubaland residents to engage in consultations to prevent a political vacuum and called on the regional army to remain neutral, warning against its use for political purposes. “Using the army for political objectives is a crime that will not be forgiven and risks destabilizing the region,” he said.

This follows the announcement by Jubaland’s electoral commission of upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, which the Federal Government has opposed.

President Madobe has boycotted recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings in Mogadishu and joined Puntland in opposing the Federal Government’s approach to national elections.

The political standoff highlights escalating tensions between the Federal Government and Jubaland, raising concerns over the region’s stability.