Mogadishu (WDN)The Somali Federal Government today barred two members of parliament, Cabdirashiid Jire Qalinle and Cumar Qalad-diid, from boarding a flight to Kismayo at Aden Adde International Airport, in what appears to be an escalation of tensions between Mogadishu and regional states.

The two lawmakers, who represent Jubbaland, accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister HamzWarda Abdi Barre of personally ordering the travel ban, citing security officials at the airport. In a press conference following the incident, the MPs condemned the move, calling it an act of political repression aimed at silencing dissenting voices and isolating Jubbaland.

MP Cabdirashiid Jire Qalinle alleged that President Hassan Sheikh is ruling with resentment and using state power for political vendettas.

“Hassan Sheikh himself faced similar restrictions in the past, yet he is now weaponizing the government against his opponents. We went to the airport in the morning and were prevented from traveling. But tomorrow, we will return and challenge this blockade. The people of Jubbaland will not be held hostage by the federal government,” he stated defiantly.

MP Cumar Qalad-diid launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Hamza Barre, accusing him of being complicit in the marginalization of his own Darood clan. He argued that the ongoing political and economic pressure on Jubbaland and Puntland was part of a broader federal government strategy to weaken these regions.

“Any individual who wants to understand Hamza Barre’s true nature should look at the sanctions imposed on Jubbaland and the mistreatment of Puntland. Just yesterday, during the Custodial Corps ceremony, he claimed that no sanctions were placed on Jubbaland. Yet today, as elected representatives with immunity, we were blocked from reaching our constituents. If we are treated this way, what do you think is happening to ordinary citizens?” he questioned.

The incident is the latest in an ongoing political standoff between the federal government and regional states. Relations between Mogadishu and Jubbaland have been strained for years, particularly since President Hassan Sheikh returned to power in 2022. His administration has been accused of sidelining federal member states (FMS) and centralizing power at the expense of regional autonomy.

Jubbaland, led by President Ahmed Madobe, has consistently resisted federal encroachment and has been at odds with Villa Somalia over key governance and security issues. Puntland, another federal state, has already severed ties with the central government, citing constitutional violations and lack of consultation.

The blockade of MPs traveling to Kismayo also comes amid concerns that the federal government is attempting to exert control over regional politics, particularly as Somalia approaches critical elections and security transitions. The MPs warned that such actions would only deepen the rift between the central government and federal states.

Implications for Somalia’s Political Stability

The growing tensions between the federal government and regional states pose a significant challenge to Somalia’s political stability. The repeated attempts to sideline regional leaders and obstruct their movements risk further fragmenting the country’s fragile federal system. With elections looming and security responsibilities transitioning from foreign troops to Somali forces, the central government’s confrontational approach could weaken national unity at a critical juncture.

For now, the MPs have vowed to continue challenging the restrictions placed on Jubbaland, setting the stage for yet another confrontation between Villa Somalia and its defiant federal member states.

WardheerNews