The government of Somalia's semi-autonomous Jubbaland state said on Thursday it was suspending relations and cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu following a dispute over local elections in the region.
Jubbaland, which borders Kenya and Ethiopia and is one of Somalia's five semi-autonomous states, re-elected regional president Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe for a third term in elections on Monday.
However, the national government based in Mogadishu, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, opposed the election, saying it was held without federal involvement.
Jubbaland is seen as the breadbasket of Somalia and the capital Kismayo is a strategically important port. Its shoreline delineates a hotly contested maritime zone, with potential oil and gas deposits, claimed by both Somalia and Kenya.
As the election row escalated, the federal government issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, while Jubbaland issued a reciprocal one for President Mohamud on Thursday.
The feud is unfolding against the backdrop of Mogadishu's fraying relationship with Somaliland, another of its regions, which is seeking international recognition as an independent country.
"The Jubbaland government has officially and completely suspended relations and cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia," Jubbaland's state house said in a statement.
Jubbaland accused Mohamud of several offences including violating the constitution, corruption, fuelling clan conflicts and jeopardising Somalia's fight against Islamist insurgents.
A regional court in Mogadishu sought Madobe's arrest on Wednesday, accusing him of treason and revealing classified information to foreign entities.
The execution of the warrants remains uncertain, as both Madobe and Mohamud command large numbers of troops.
Somalia's information minister, Daud Aweis, told Reuters that the matter was in the hands of the judiciary, which was tasked with enforcing laws through its rulings and judgements. He did not immediately respond to the severing of ties.
Jubbaland's security minister, Yusuf Dhumal, did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this week, the national government dispatched additional troops to Jubbaland in response to the election.
In 2021, Jubbaland was among other regional governments that nearly clashed with the national government over plans to extend the time in office of the then president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.
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Kazakhstan has emerged as Azerbaijan’s top grain supplier, as trade between the two countries surged 20% in early 2025, reaching historic highs.
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Another group of the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Russia has been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan. During the night, a new group of orchestra members crossed into Azerbaijan through the Astara border checkpoint as part of the ongoing evacuation process.
France has closed four major Israeli company stands at the Paris Airshow for displaying offensive weapons, intensifying diplomatic tensions with Israel amid criticism of its actions in Gaza.
A community event turned deadly in West Valley City, Utah as gunfire erupted during a local carnival, killing three, including an eight-month-old baby and injuring two teens, after a dispute between two groups escalated.
Kazakhstan has emerged as Azerbaijan’s top grain supplier, as trade between the two countries surged 20% in early 2025, reaching historic highs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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