President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh, has appointed new army chief amid internal tension. The new chief of ground forces earlier worked as security chief in the Jubaland federal member state of Somalia. Jubaland and Federal Government are in dispute over date and mode of regional election.
Colonel Abullahi Omar has been appointed as the head of ground forces of Somalia. The appointment of Abdullahi Omar is being seen as an attempt to undermine Jubaland government led by President Ahmed Madobe.
Ahmed Madobe boycotted recently held National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting chaired by the President Hassan Mehmood Sheikh. The NCC agreed to hold direct local elections in regions in June next year but the decision was rejected by Jubaland and Puntland.
In another related development, 2 federal ministers from Jubaland resigned yesterday. Abdirashid, who was working as the State Minister of Planning, resigned. Deputy Minister of Education also quit.
Reportedly, Ahmed Madobe, has recalled Federal MPs of Jubaland to Kismayo for discussions. Jubaland intends to hold indirect local election in coming weeks, a move which is likely to be opposed by the federal government of Somalia.
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