Jubbaland State of Somalia elects three presidents

The former Ras Kamboni Brigade co-founder and close ally of the current elected Jubbaland president; Abdinasir Seraar; has also been elected  ‘president’ of Jubbaland by people opposing the current elected president of Jubbaland, Ahmed Madobe.

With the newly elected president, Jubbaland now has three presidents. This recent development may further complicate the situation in Jubbaland, instigate a possible proxy war between Kenya and Ethiopia, and bring about a civil war between the different clans in Jubbaland.

Seeraar who fought alongside with Madobe in the then Ras-Kamboni Movement said on Friday that he was elected president of Jubbaland to save the situation which followed the heavily contested polls in Jubbaland.

‘I was not planning (to make the declaration) but it was necessitated by the need to lead the region in the right direction,’ said Seeraar. ‘The decision lies with the people of Jubbaland.’

Seeraar who was among the candidates that initially registered to contest in the presidential polls caused a stir at Kismayo Airport in May when the militia group accompanying him reportedly refused to disarm.

Madobe was overwhelmingly voted in on Wednesday garnering 56 out of the possible 73 votes by the newly elected Jubbaland parliament. The Federal Government in Mogadishu dismissed his election as a nullity even as Kenya congratulated him and gave assurance of their support.

Seeraar who controls a private militia earlier served as Jubbaland spokesperson.