By RFPosted on 22-08-2019Modified on 22-08-2019 at 02:54
Members of the Jubaland Regional Parliament, a region of southern Somalia bordering Kenya, are electing their president on Thursday (August 22nd). A poll under high voltage as it could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
In Somalia, all eyes are on the Jubaland before the election on Thursday of the Speaker of the Parliament of this semi-autonomous region of the south of the country. At the heart of all the tensions, a man: Ahmed Madobe, the outgoing president, at the head of the Jubaland for eight years. Ahmed Madobe is a repentant, former founding member of the Shebab terrorist group. He is now an important ally for Kenya in the fight against terrorism. Nairobi therefore supports his candidacy and openly opposes the will of the Somali government to see him leave power.
Because Mogadishu intends to regain control over this region of the country. This regional election exacerbates the already heated tensions between Kenya and Somalia that are currently fighting over the sovereignty of a maritime zone with oil potential.
Also on the board is Ethiopia, Kenya's historic partner for more than 50 years. But this time, Addis Ababa opposes Nairobi. There is no question of supporting Ahmed Madobe, the former ally of the Ethiopian government in the Ogaden region, who finally turned his back on joining Jubaland in 2013 for Kenya.
Observers say that a dissent between Kenya and Ethiopia could jeopardize the stability of the region as their armed forces jointly fight terrorism in Somali theater.
On the same subject
Somalia: tensions and uncertainties ahead of elections in Jubaland
Somalia: Shebabs claim deadly attack on hotel in Kismayo
The torch burns between Kenya and Somalia over Somaliland
Kenya closes border with Somalia, diplomatic standoff continues
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