Jubaland Minister Rebukes President Hassan Sheikh Over Kampala Summit Remarks

KISMAYO (WDN) — Jubaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, has sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following the conclusion of the AUSSOM Troop-Contributing Countries Summit in Kampala, accusing the Somali leader of dismissing legitimate regional concerns over Somalia’s prolonged political crisis.

The Kampala summit focused primarily on the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose operations continue to face serious funding shortfalls. Regional leaders also discussed Somalia’s political deadlock, with several participants emphasizing the need for dialogue between the Federal Government and opposition groups to safeguard national stability.

According to participants, President Hassan Sheikh objected to discussions concerning Somalia’s internal political dispute, arguing that disagreements between the Federal Government and the opposition were domestic matters that should not be debated at an international summit. His remarks drew a swift response from Jubaland.

In a strongly worded statement, Minister Abdifatah argued that the Kampala gathering was not a political rally but a summit attended by regional leaders whose countries have invested heavily in Somalia’s security and stabilization over the past two decades.