The Jubaland State of Somalia’s cabinet has issued a warning to the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of “illegal interference” in its territories, particularly in the volatile Gedo region. The warning was made during a ministerial meeting chaired by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam on October 10, 2025. The cabinet discussed the Federal Government’s “unconstitutional and illegal interference” in the region, which they believe could lead to a major conflict and clashes, resulting in significant losses.
The dispute centers on the Gedo region, a strategic territory within Jubaland, where control over administration and electoral processes has been a long-standing point of contention between the state and federal governments. The Jubaland State Government, led by President Ahmed Madobe, and the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have historically had a strained relationship.
The accusation comes amidst ongoing political and security challenges in Somalia, including a major military offensive against the Al-Shabaab militant group. The Federal Government’s campaign has blurred the lines between counter-terrorism operations and political maneuvering, leading state governments like Jubaland to perceive its actions as an overreach and a threat to their constitutional authority.
In addition to the warning, the Jubaland cabinet approved several internal measures, including the passage of the Jubaland Health Professionals Act and the approval of its 2026 Annual Budget, valued at over $67 million. These actions demonstrate a dual strategy of confronting external pressures while solidifying internal administrative functions.
The relationship between Jubaland and the Federal Government has been marked by tension, particularly in the Gedo region, where both sides have previously deployed forces and supported rival administrations. This dispute has direct security implications, as instability or infighting between formal security forces can create a vacuum that Al-Shabaab can exploit.
The strongly worded statement from the Jubaland cabinet marks a significant escalation in its political dispute with the Federal Government. By framing the Federal Government’s actions as “illegal” and warning of potential conflict, President Madobe is drawing a firm line over regional autonomy. This development threatens to complicate the fragile security equilibrium in southern Somalia and poses a direct challenge to the federal government’s authority, highlighting deep-seated tensions within Somalia’s federal structure. The international community, which heavily backs the Federal Government, is likely to be concerned about this new rift opening at a critical time in the fight against Al-Shabaab.