Somalia’s southwestern Jubaland region has declared full independence from the federal government, further weakening the country’s troubled federal structure.
The announcement by Jubaland parliament speaker Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman reflects mounting opposition to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud government centralisation drive.
Parliamentary declaration
Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman told the 8th Annual Jubaland Health Conference in Kismayo that lawmakers had amended the regional constitution to remove all references to Jubaland as a federal member state.
“You are aware that we have removed ‘federal member state’ from the constitution; the members of parliament are seated, we removed ‘state’, and now it is the Jubaland Government,” he said, according to Hiiraan Online.
The amendments change Jubaland status from a “state administration” (maamul goboleed) to a fully fledged “government” (dowladd). The speaker ordered the council of ministers to adopt the new title in all official correspondence.
The move follows Jubaland decision last month to suspend cooperation with Mogadishu after disputed regional elections in November 2024 that returned President Ahmed Madobe for a third term against federal objections.
Jubaland, bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, was established in 2013 and has long enjoyed wide autonomy backed by its own security forces and foreign partnerships.
Broader context of fragmentation
The declaration is the latest challenge to Somalia federal system introduced in 2012 after more than two decades of conflict. Critics accuse President Mohamud administration of seeking greater central control at the expense of regional powers.
Northeastern Puntland took similar action in March 2024, declaring it would operate independently after disputes with Mogadishu over constitutional changes and revenue sharing.
Jubaland has a history of tension with the federal government, including armed clashes along border areas. Created with Kenyan military support to fight al Shabaab insurgents, the region remains a frontline against the al Qaeda-linked group.
Reactions and implications
Mogadishu has made no official comment on the independence declaration, but observers expect possible retaliation ranging from financial penalties to troop deployments.
“This risks unravelling two decades of fragile progress in state-building,” a Kismayo-based analyst told Who Owns Africa on condition of anonymity.
Kenya, which trains Jubaland forces and views the region as a security buffer, is monitoring the situation closely. Ethiopia also has strategic interests in Somali stability.
Western donors, led by the United States and European Union, have yet to respond, but the split could disrupt aid and counter-terrorism programmes tied to a unified Somalia.
Somaliland, the breakaway northern territory that declared independence in 1991, has signalled possible recognition of Jubaland.
The development highlights persistent clan rivalries, resource disputes and institutional weakness that continue to pull Somalia apart as al Shabaab attacks persist and millions face acute humanitarian needs.
