Hornpost
Kismayo, Somalia – (Hornpost) High-level talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), mediated by the Government of Kenya, have ended without a breakthrough, amid continued disagreement over the disputed Jubaland leadership election.
The meeting, held in Kismayo, was part of renewed efforts by Kenya to ease long-standing tensions between the Federal Government and the Jubaland administration. Senior Kenyan officials, including intelligence and diplomatic envoys, facilitated the talks in hopes of restoring dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.
According to diplomatic sources, the discussions focused on the November 2024 Jubaland election, in which Ahmed Madobe was re-elected as regional president — a result the Federal Government has refused to recognize, citing irregularities and violations of the national electoral framework. Jubaland, on the other hand, insists that the vote was legitimate and conducted in line with its constitution.
Despite several hours of closed-door discussions, no compromise was reached. Federal authorities reportedly demanded a review of the regional election and the formation of a new inclusive process, while the Jubaland delegation maintained that Madobe’s mandate was valid and must be respected.
“No side has shown willingness to compromise,” said one regional diplomat familiar with the talks.
The stalemate reflects deep divisions over authority, security control, and political autonomy in southern Somalia — particularly in the Gedo region, where tensions between federal and Jubaland forces have occasionally turned violent.
Kenya’s involvement comes amid its efforts to prevent renewed instability along its border and to encourage political reconciliation in Somalia.
However, despite Nairobi’s mediation, the talks concluded with no joint communiqué and no immediate plan for further dialogue, though both sides expressed readiness to continue discussions at a later stage.
Analysts say the deadlock underscores the fragile nature of Somalia’s federal system, where disputes between Mogadishu and member states like Jubaland, Puntland, and Southwest continue to undermine the country’s political cohesion.
Background:
The Federal Government of Somalia and Jubaland have clashed repeatedly over the legitimacy of regional elections and the deployment of security forces.
President Ahmed Madobe, a long-time ally of Kenya, has led Jubaland since 2013.
Kenya maintains strong political and security interests in Jubaland, viewing the region as a buffer zone against Al-Shabaab and instability along the border.
Next Steps:
Diplomatic sources indicate that further mediation efforts may be pursued through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) or the African Union, should Kenya’s initiative fail to yield results.
Hornpost staff Reporter
