Somalia’s federal government has taken a dramatic step in its ongoing standoff with Jubaland by requesting Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as “Madobe,” the President of Jubaland. According to Hiiraan Online, the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu authorized the notice on Wednesday, accusing Madobe of treason, collusion with foreign powers, and actions that undermine Somalia’s unity.
A Red Notice, while not an international arrest warrant, is a significant measure that asks member states to assist in locating and provisionally arresting an individual pending extradition. This request marks a high point in the deteriorating relationship between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous administration of Jubaland.
The charges against Madobe, who has been a key player in Somali politics since 2012, include allegations of sharing classified information and resisting federal efforts to implement a “one person, one vote” electoral system. The federal government accuses him of deliberately destabilizing Somalia, claims Jubaland’s administration has dismissed as politically motivated.
This escalation has sparked a retaliatory move from Jubaland’s First Instance Court, which issued its own arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of treason. Legal experts have described this tit-for-tat judicial confrontation as unprecedented in Somalia’s political history.
The Interpol request poses significant challenges for Ahmed Madobe, restricting his ability to travel and engage internationally. The federal government’s move also coincides with heightened tensions in Jubaland, where federal troops, including elite units, have been deployed. Jubaland forces have similarly bolstered their positions, particularly in Ras Kamboni, an area left vulnerable following the withdrawal of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces.
This power struggle risks further destabilizing the region, particularly as Al-Shabaab militants remain active in Lower and Middle Juba. Analysts warn that the current disunity could provide opportunities for Al-Shabaab to regain lost ground, exacerbating Somalia’s ongoing security challenges.
