Somalia stumbles into another regional election morass

Subject

Regional elections and federal infighting in Somalia.

Significance

In mid-September, a regional reconciliation conference saw local political leaders and clans agree that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) should take the lead in organising Galmudug’s upcoming regional elections. However, some major clans reportedly remain divided on the FGS’s role, while Galmudug President Ahmed Duale Guelle ‘Haaf’ on September 29 announced he was rescinding the FGS’s authority to manage the elections. The stage appears set for another contested regional election.

Impacts

• Stakes for the regional presidency will be high following Qatar’s recent promise of a 174-million-dollar investment in Hobyo port.
• Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a’s multi-clan make-up will complicate efforts to form a regional parliament in which others demand clan balance.
• The FGS’s rejection of the Jubaland election results will worsen relations with those who believe it is unduly meddling in local politics.