MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Political tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and the Jubbaland regional administration have escalated once again following the collapse of recent reconciliation talks held in the port city of Kismayo, officials and local sources said Thursday.
The meeting, which brought together President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), had been expected to ease months of strained relations between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous region. However, according to officials familiar with the talks, the discussions ended in failure as both sides stood firm on their long-held positions.
Sources close to the negotiations said the Jubbaland administration is reportedly mobilizing new security forces aimed at challenging the presence of federal troops in areas under its claim, particularly in Gedo region’s Garbaharey district, where federal forces maintain a stronghold.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is said to be pursuing a plan to establish a new local administration in Gedo — a move widely viewed as an attempt to weaken Ahmed Madobe’s political influence in the region. Several federal officials from Gedo have already expressed support for the initiative, further heightening tensions between the two sides.
According to political analysts and insiders in Villa Somalia, the presidency sees the Jubbaland administration as a major obstacle to the implementation of key national policies. Jubbaland, on the other hand, accuses the federal government of direct interference in its internal affairs.
Although both parties have indicated that more dialogue sessions are planned, the political situation in Jubbaland remains tense. Observers fear that if no sustainable solution is reached soon, the political dispute could escalate into an armed confrontation.
The renewed standoff poses yet another challenge to Somalia’s fragile state-building process, which has been plagued by recurrent disputes between Mogadishu and federal member states. Residents of Gedo continue to call for peace and lasting political stability amid the growing uncertainty.
