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The recent high-level talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) in Kismayo ended without any concrete breakthrough, as long-standing political differences between the two leaders remain unresolved. President Mohamud and his delegation left Kismayo on Monday after hours of closed-door discussions with President Madobe. Although the meeting was described as cordial, it failed to produce any clear agreement on the key issues dividing the federal government and the Jubbaland administration.
According to a statement from Villa Somalia, the two leaders made what was termed as “progress” and agreed to continue consultations in future meetings to advance the national dialogue process. President Hassan Sheikh expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the people and administration of Kismayo, emphasizing that unity and solidarity among Somalis are essential for peace, stability, and development. His remarks were seen as an attempt to maintain optimism despite the limited outcomes of the talks.
However, sources familiar with the discussions said major points of contention were left unresolved. At the center of the disagreement is the disputed Jubaland election held in November 2024, in which Ahmed Madobe was re-elected. President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has rejected that election, declaring it null and void, arguing that the process did not meet constitutional requirements. The federal government insists that Jubaland must return to the National Consultative Council (NCC) framework, which brings together federal and regional leaders to coordinate key national policies, including elections, security, and governance.
President Madobe, meanwhile, has stood firm that the 2024 election outcome is legitimate and not open for negotiation. He has called on the federal government to withdraw the arrest warrant issued against him last year, claiming it undermines dialogue and trust. Madobe insists that cooperation, not confrontation, is the way forward, urging Mogadishu to work hand-in-hand with Jubaland on state-building and security efforts in the southern regions.
The standoff between the federal government and Jubaland dates back to the disputed 2024 election, which deepened divisions between the two sides and led to sporadic armed confrontations in parts of the region. The friction has also strained efforts to implement Somalia’s federal system, where relations between Mogadishu and member states have often been marked by competition and mistrust rather than collaboration.
Many observers had viewed the Kismayo meeting as a crucial chance to reset relations after years of political tension. The presence of both leaders in the same city for direct talks was seen as a positive step in itself. However, the absence of tangible results highlights the ongoing difficulties in building consensus between the federal government and regional administrations, particularly on issues related to authority, power-sharing, and electoral legitimacy.
Despite the lack of immediate progress, both sides have left the door open for continued dialogue. Villa Somalia’s statement suggesting “progress” could be interpreted as an effort to keep diplomatic channels open and prevent further escalation. Analysts say future meetings could still provide opportunities for compromise if both leaders prioritize national interests over political rivalry.
For now, the political impasse continues, reflecting the broader challenges Somalia faces in consolidating its federal system and fostering unity among its diverse regions. The outcome of the Kismayo talks serves as a reminder that reconciliation and state-building in Somalia remain complex and fragile processes, requiring sustained commitment, trust, and genuine political will from all parties involved.