Monday October 6, 2025
Kismayo (HOL) — The high-level talks between Somali
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam
(Madobe) in Kismayo concluded without any concrete results, as key differences
between the two leaders remain unresolved.
President Mohamud and his delegation departed Kismayo on
Monday after hours-long discussions with President Madobe, who personally
escorted the federal delegation to the airport.
A statement from Villa Somalia said the two sides made
“progress” and agreed to continue consultations in future meetings aimed at
advancing the dialogue process.
President Hassan Sheikh expressed gratitude to the people
and administration of Kismayo for their hospitality, emphasizing that “Somali
unity and solidarity are essential for the country’s development.”
However, sources familiar with the talks indicated that core
disputes remain unresolved. President Hassan Sheikh maintains that the November
2024 Jubaland election, in which Ahmed Madobe was re-elected, is null and void,
insisting that Jubaland must rejoin the National Consultative Council (NCC)
framework.
Madobe, on the other hand, has stood firm that the 2024
election is non-negotiable, demanding that the federal government withdraw the
warrant issued for his arrest and instead work cooperatively with Jubaland on
state-building efforts.
The political standoff between the federal government and
Jubaland dates back to 2024, following the disputed regional election that led
to heightened tensions and sporadic clashes in parts of Jubaland.
The Kismayo meeting was widely viewed as a key opportunity
to rebuild trust and foster cooperation after years of strained relations, but
the lack of tangible outcomes underscores the continuing challenges in
Somalia’s federal–member state relations.