By RFIPosted on 13-10-2019Modified on 13-10-2019 at 00:26

For months, tension has been high between the central state in Mogadishu and the Jubaland region, partly controlled by shebabs. Ahmed Madobe was re-elected to Jubaland for a third term in August but was only inducted on Saturday, October 12th. The central government does not recognize the election and wishes a new election. Ahmed Madobe, however, reached out to Mogadishu.

It took almost two months for Ahmed Madobe to be inducted. But even if Mogadishu did everything to prevent the ceremony, the man wanted to conciliate. He called for the compromise, before inviting Somali President Farmajo , to come this Sunday in the capital of Jubaland, Kismayo, so that they settle their dispute.

A desire for appeasement as the central government has banned direct flights to Kismayo and forced pilots to pass through Mogadishu for security checks. Several personalities were even prevented from joining the ceremony.

► See also: Somalia: an election in Jubaland and issues for the entire Horn of Africa

A tactic that led to a new crisis between the central state and the region, then a sling. Deputies, former Somali presidents, but also Kenyan representatives, attended the enthronement, after violating the Mogadishu guidelines. They flew directly to Kismayo, without stopping in the Somali capital.

A challenge to the central state with behind huge stakes that touch the very essence of the Somali political system. The Constitution is blurred on the sharing of federal power. However, President Farmajo wants to limit the prerogatives of the regions, which, they, wish more autonomy. Behind the scenes, two countries are engaged in a battle of influence: Kenya, an ally of Jubaland, and Ethiopia, which supports the central state. Analysts hope for a quick resolution of this dispute, because any spark could degenerate into an armed conflict.

The inauguration ceremony of Jubaland's newly re-elected President, HE Ahmed Mohamed Islam, is going on and in full swing. #Somalia #Jubaland pic.twitter.com/4NCnzzfhJS

Jubaland State (@Jubaland) October 12, 2019

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