Monday October 6, 2025
Kismaayo (HOL) — Jubaland regional state leader Ahmed
Mohamed Islam Madobe, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving
political differences with the federal government through dialogue and
compromise on key national issues facing Somalia.
In a statement released on Monday, the Jubaland
administration said Mogadishu and Kismayo had agreed to continue talks and hold
additional meetings aimed at finding a lasting political solution.
Jubaland also thanked the Kenyan government for mediating
and facilitating the dialogue between the federal government and Jubaland.
However, the statement notably refrained from mentioning President Hassan
Sheikh Mohamud by name — a move analysts view as a sign of diplomatic caution
or lingering mistrust between the two sides.
The high-level talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
and President Madobe, held in Kismayo, concluded without any concrete results
as major differences between the two leaders remained unresolved. President
Mohamud and his delegation departed Kismayo on Monday after hours of
discussions, with Madobe personally escorting them to the airport.
Sources familiar with the talks said the main sticking
points centered on the disputed November 2024 Jubaland election, in which
Madobe was re-elected. President Hassan Sheikh maintains that the election was
invalid and insists Jubaland must rejoin the National Consultative Council
(NCC), which coordinates federal–member state relations.
Madobe, however, has stood firm, declaring that the 2024
election is non-negotiable. He has demanded that the federal government
withdraw the warrant issued for his arrest and instead focus on cooperation in
state-building and regional development.
The political standoff between the federal government and
Jubaland dates back to the 2024 regional election, which triggered heightened
tensions and sporadic clashes in parts of the state.
The Kismayo meeting had been viewed as a key opportunity to
rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation after years of strained relations.
However, the lack of tangible outcomes underscores the persistent challenges
facing Somalia’s fragile federal system and the continuing tension between
Mogadishu and its federal member states.