MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a scathing and unprecedented public rebuke, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday accused Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe of colluding with the militant group Al-Shabaab, escalating a bitter political rift between the federal authorities and the semi-autonomous area.
Barre alleged that Madobe, a former co-founder and senior chief of Al-Shabaab, maintains covert ties to the group, citing suspicions that the Jubaland chief’s navy automobiles had been allowed to cross via Al-Shabaab-controlled territories throughout current clashes within the Decrease Juba area.
“There is no such thing as a doubt that two Al-Shabaab [elements] work collectively,” Barre declared, insinuating that Madobe stays affiliated with the militant group.
He additional claimed that Madobe’s forces, after attacking the city of Raskamboni final 12 months—the place Somali navy bases had been situated—at the moment are planning to move their navy automobiles again by boat, relatively than by highway, to keep away from militant assaults.
The Prime Minister’s remarks mark a dramatic deterioration in relations between the 2 leaders, who had been as soon as allies and even share familial ties. The verbal assault is probably the most direct and extreme Barre has launched in opposition to Madobe, reflecting the deepening tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo.
Barre additionally accused Madobe of intimidating federal MPs from Jubaland, alleging that the regional chief threatened them with violence in the event that they didn’t disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
“It’s unacceptable to intimidate honorable MPs, to inform them they can not return to Jubaland until they instigate chaos ]in parliament],” Barre stated. “It’s equally flawed to instill worry amongst residents, warning them to not transit via Mogadishu or danger arrest.”
He added, “I anticipate these intimidation ways to stop instantly. These lawmakers deserve respect, to not have a pistol held to their heads.”
In earlier feedback, Madobe described the Prime Minister as a “younger boy” being manipulated to sow discord in Jubaland. He prompt that the actual battle is just not with Barre however with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as each leaders vie for help from the Ogaden clan, to which they each belong.
Barre, nonetheless, sought to attract a distinction between Madobe and his administration, stating that whereas he considers Madobe a “prison,” different members of the Jubaland authorities will not be implicated and are free to journey to Mogadishu with out worry of arrest or harassment.
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