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.
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.