Somalia’s Jubaland State President picks representative to Kenya

The President of Jubaland state in Somalia, Ahmed Madoobe, has officially designated a representative tasked with promoting the state’s interests in Kenya. This decision has raised concerns over potential tensions between the federal government and the regional state.

The appointment of Sadik Abdullahi Bogale as Jubaland’s representative to Kenya was formalized through a Presidential decree issued by President Madoobe. The decree cited Article 72 of the state’s constitution as the legal basis for this appointment, granting the president the authority to select members of the executive.

However, the role of a foreign representative at the state level is not explicitly outlined in the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. According to the Constitution, the jurisdiction over matters of foreign relations exclusively resides with the Federal Government.

As of now, the Federal Government of Somalia has not yet issued an official response to President Madoobe’s decision to announce a representative for Kenya. This development warrants close attention, as it could potentially impact the delicate balance of power between the federal government and regional states.