Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has visited Kismayo, the capital of Jubaland State, for talks with Jubaland's leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam alias Ahmed Madobe.
The visit marks a critical effort to resolve a year-long political and constitutional standoff between the federal government in Mogadishu and the regional administration.
President Mohamud was received at Kismayo's Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan Airport by President Madobe, signalling a potential political breakthrough after months of escalating tensions.
This is Mohamud's first visit to the regional capital since the dispute began, following a period where the two sides had issued arrest warrants for each other, an unprecedented move in Somali politics.
A tense history of political disagreements
The visit follows a protracted period of political friction that began last year. The dispute stemmed from Jubaland's indirect presidential election in November 2024, which Mogadishu condemned.
The disagreement further intensified after Jubaland boycotted a key National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting convened by President Mohamud in Mogadishu, a move that was seen as a direct challenge to the federal authority.
The federal government had already initiated steps toward a "one-person, one-vote" system and viewed Madobe's re-election as a violation of this process.
The political standoff reached its peak on November 27 when both the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu and the Kismayo administration issued reciprocal arrest warrants for their respective leaders. Neither warrant was effected.
Meeting aims to address key national issues
Beyond the immediate political friction, the highly anticipated talks are expected to address a range of key national issues, aimed at restoring stability and advancing national development including the electoral process and constitutional amendments.
The agenda includes security and counter-terrorism where the two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabab, a crucial effort for national stability, political reforms, constitutional amendments and the country's governance structure, with the goal of finding common ground to move forward.
A key focus is also the path toward the upcoming Somali elections in May 2026. President Mohamud’s visit will also include discussions toward the launch of voter registration for local council elections in Jubaland, a significant step toward transitioning Somalia from indirect to direct elections.
This visit is seen as a tangible effort to forge a path toward a more unified and stable Somalia with the outcome expected to have a profound impact on the country's political landscape and its future.
