Kismayo(Mogadishu24)-Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam has appointed a seven-member Independent Commission for Elections and Boundaries, paving the way for the region’s upcoming elections independent of the Federal Government of Somalia.

The appointed members include Mursal Siyaad Mohamed, Warfa Mohamed Jama, Ahmed Haji Abdi, Na’imo Ibrahim Mohamed, Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf, Mohamed Osman Yusuf, and Mohamed Hussein Osman. This move signals Jubaland’s intent to proceed with regional elections autonomously.

The announcement follows a recent escalation in tensions, with Jubaland accusing the Federal Government of undermining its anti-Al-Shabaab operations in Lower Juba.

In a statement issued Saturday, Jubaland’s Ministry of Security alleged that its forces conducted an independent operation against Al-Shabaab between November 6 and 9 in the areas of Orgiyow and Bula-Haji, claiming the Somali National Army withdrew from frontline positions, leaving Jubaland forces to handle the operation alone.

These developments come amid strained relations following the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu, from which Jubaland withdrew, joining Puntland in opposition to the federal government.