This shows the strength and confidence of Ras Kamboni Brigades and its leader, Sheikh Ahmed Madoobe
Local communities allocated amongst themselves the 500 delegates to represent the various communities and districts of Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions that have united to form Jubaland. The Jubaland state formation process has been underway since early 2011.
Wednesday’s election at Kismayo University campus featured speeches by presidential candidates, including Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, Hilowle Aden Mohamed, and Mohamed Nur Shambar. All telephone net works in Kismayo were shut down since Tuesday morning.
Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam takes oath of office as Jubaland President, May 15, 2013
The presidential candidates addressed the 500 delegates, pledging policy promises if elected. The election committee announced that Sheikh Ahmed Madobe won in a landslide, with 480 votes , according to sources in Kismayo.
The newly elected President of Jubaland took the oath of office in front of the delegates and vowed to rule with justice and bring peace to Jubaland regions.
Ahmed Madobe was the leader of Kismayo's interim administration and led Ras Kamboni group that took part of Kismayo's liberation from Al Shabaab militants in September 2012.
Puntland President Abdirahman Farole speaks at press conference in Garowe, welcoming Jubaland election, May 15, 2013
Speaking at a press conference in Garowe, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole welcomed the Jubaland election, congratulated President-elect Ahmed Madobe, and called on the other candidates to respect the election results.
President Farole also emphasized the Jubaland formation process "in accordance with the Somali Provisional Federal Constitution".
Meanwhile in Mogadishu, Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon appointed a 16-member committee tasked with "working on a solution for Jubaland", according to a document issued Wednesday from the Prime Minister’s office.
The 16-member committee consists of Ministers and Parliamentarians. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, elected in September 2012, has made it a government priority to oppose Jubaland formation and has vowed to reject the outcome of the Jubaland conference.
It is not clear what task the new committee will conduct, as Jubaland has elected a new President and Vice President.
Madaxweynaha Jubbaland mudane Sheikh Ahmed Madoobe.