Kismayo (HOL) — Jubbaland’s regional administration has accused Somalia’s federal government of abandoning core national priorities, including the fight against al-Shabaab and efforts to maintain the country’s unity.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Jubbaland said the federal leadership has failed to deliver on security and governance, instead focusing on “short-term political interests” that, it warned, are eroding public trust.

“The salvation of this country lies in national unity and leadership that takes responsibility for Somalia’s future,” the statement read.

The regional government expressed support for the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition figures led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, which concluded a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on Sunday. Jubbaland said it welcomed the Forum’s decisions, describing them as crucial for steering the country away from political turmoil.

The Somali Salvation Forum has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of sidelining the war against al-Shabaab while prioritizing controversial land sales. The group urged the federal government to reach an inclusive political settlement and fast-track local elections.

The Forum demanded that President Mohamud reverse what it called “illegal amendments” to Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution, warning that the changes risk creating “conflicting legal frameworks” and plunging the nation into deeper instability.

Somalia has been struggling to stabilize after decades of conflict, with political rifts between the federal government and member states often undermining efforts to defeat the al-Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabaab.