By Hassan Adow

The Federal Member States (FMS) in Somalia must understand that their autonomy is not absolute and must operate within the framework of the Federal Government. Leaders like Ahmed Madobe have increasingly acted in ways that challenge national unity, undermine federal authority, and stall the country’s progress toward democracy and stability. This unchecked autonomy cannot be allowed to continue if Somalia is to rebuild its institutions and achieve meaningful development.

The Challenge of Federalism

Somalia’s federal system was designed to balance power between the central government and the regions, fostering collaboration for shared governance. Unfortunately, some FMS leaders have exploited this structure to prioritize their regional interests over national goals. In particular, Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland has consistently resisted the authority of Mogadishu and worked against reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

Madobe has turned against nearly every Somali president—Abdullahi Yusuf, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (both terms), and Mohamed Farmajo. His leadership has often been defined by resistance to federal initiatives, including boycotting the Somali National Leadership Consultative Forum and refusing to approve electoral reforms, such as the transition to a universal suffrage system (one-person, one-vote).

Undermining Democracy and Rule of Law

In a glaring display of defiance, Madobe orchestrated his self-selection as President of Jubaland through an unlawfully constituted regional parliament. This illegitimate process has been declared illegal by the Federal Government, which recently directed the Attorney General to pursue criminal charges against him. The deployment of contingent of Somali forces to Ras Kamboni and other key strategic locations in the Gedo regionsignals an impending escalation in the standoff.

Madobe’s actions are not unique; other FMS leaders, such as Puntland’s Said Abdullahi Deni, have similarly resisted federal oversight. These leaders’ refusal to engage in constructive dialogue or participate in the Somali National Leadership Consultative Forum hinders progress toward building a cohesive and functioning government.

The Consequences of Fragmentation

This ongoing power struggle between the Federal Government and the FMS has far-reaching consequences. It weakens Somalia’s governance, delays economic development, and perpetuates political instability. Moreover, the parallel power centers established by FMS leaders create governance fragmentation, preventing the country from operating as a united state.

The independent security forces maintained by regional administrations, such as Jubaland, further complicate Somalia’s fight against terrorism. Al-Shabaab continues to exploit these divisions, taking advantage of the lack of coordination between federal and regional forces. For Somalia to effectively combat such threats, all security forces must be integrated into a unified national security framework.

Foreign Meddling and Sovereignty

FMS leaders have also relied heavily on foreign alliances to bolster their positions, often aligning with neighboring countries’ geopolitical interests rather than Somalia’s national agenda. This external interference compromises Somalia’s sovereignty and exacerbates internal divisions, further destabilizing the country.

The Path Forward: Reform and Unity

To restore order and stability, Somalia must urgently address the challenges posed by rogue FMS leaders like Ahmed Madobe. Key steps include:

Additionally, Somalia’s constitution must be reformed to limit the functions of FMS while centralizing strategic roles such as security, electoral management, and control of ports and airports. A devolved governance model, similar to Kenya’s, could help strike the right balance between regional autonomy and federal authority.

Conclusion

Ahmed Madobe and other FMS leaders must be held accountable for actions that undermine Somalia’s stability and progress. Their prioritization of regional autonomy over national unity threatens to derail the country’s efforts to rebuild. Somalia’s Federal Government must take decisive action to ensure that its authority is respected and that the vision of a united, democratic Somalia becomes a reality. Only through reform, collaboration, and accountability can Somalia achieve lasting peace and prosperity.

CPA/CS Hassan Adow, is an economist and a policy analyst based in Wajir County