MOGADISHU, Somalia – Talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe on Monday wrapped up in Kismayo on a tense note, with no major breakthroughs reported.
In a statement, President Mohamud’s office said progress had been made and promised that “consultations” would continue ahead of another round of discussions.
But the exchange of statements between the two leaders hinted at lingering friction: President Madobe’s message referred to “seeing off” the federal delegation without naming Mohamud, while Mohamud’s statement similarly omitted Madobe’s name and title.
President Mohamud has since returned to Mogadishu. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources confirm that Kenya played a key role in brokering the talks, with President Madobe publicly thanking Nairobi for its efforts.
According to sources close to the discussions, the main sticking point remains the legitimacy of Madobe’s re-election last November, which Mohamud and the federal government have not recognized.
Madobe reportedly offered to compromise on other issues, including holding popular elections for federal institutions, if his election were acknowledged.
However, the standoff, according to observers, underscores the ongoing challenges in Somalia’s federal–regional relations, as leaders struggle to reconcile differing political mandates while maintaining national unity.
