Jubaland rejects ongoing federal constitution amendment process

The regional state of Jubaland has formally declared that it does not support what it described as an incomplete and unilateral amendment process of Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution, following extensive consultations involving its representatives in the Federal Parliament and various segments of society.

In a press statement issued by the Jubaland Presidency, the administration stated that lawmakers representing Jubaland in both Houses of the Federal Parliament are absent from the ongoing constitutional amendment process. As a result, it argued that Jubaland is not officially represented in any outcome emerging from the current procedures.

The statement emphasized that the people and territories of Jubaland will not be bound by any one-sided constitutional changes that are not preceded by inclusive national dialogue. It stressed that any constitution adopted without broad national consensus cannot reflect the collective interests of the Somali people.

Jubaland further indicated that it reserves all legal options available should the mandates of federal institutions expire without a formal agreement on the national electoral framework. The administration expressed concern over what it described as attempts to make unilateral, consequential decisions without consulting Jubaland’s leadership and its parliamentary representatives.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Somalia has accelerated efforts to amend five chapters of the Provisional Constitution. The move has drawn strong opposition from leaders of both Jubaland and Puntland, who have characterized the process as unilateral and lacking the necessary consensus.

The dispute is further intensifying tensions between Mogadishu and the federal member states, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming elections and debates over constitutional reform continue to shape Somalia’s political landscape.