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Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madoobe held an important meeting on Monday in Kismayo with a senior delegation from the United States government led by the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley. The meeting aimed to review the current situation in Somalia, especially in Jubbaland, and to explore ways to strengthen cooperation on security, humanitarian support, and political stability.
During the discussions, both sides focused heavily on Somalia’s ongoing security challenges. Jubbaland has faced persistent threats from extremist groups, making coordinated security operations a top priority. President Madoobe and Ambassador Riley emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified approach in the fight against terrorism. They noted that progress in security can only be achieved when federal and regional authorities work together toward the same goals.
Ambassador Riley highlighted this point in a brief statement after the meeting, saying his discussions with President Madoobe centered on the need for national unity in combating terrorism and protecting communities. He stressed that the United States remains committed to supporting Somalia and Jubbaland in building a safer and more stable environment for all citizens.
Humanitarian concerns were also a major topic. Jubbaland, like other regions in Somalia, continues to struggle with drought, displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to social services. The U.S. delegation and Jubbaland leadership discussed ways to enhance humanitarian assistance and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable communities. They also talked about long-term solutions, such as strengthening local institutions and improving development planning, so that communities can better withstand future crises.
The political relationship between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubbaland administration was another key issue. Tensions between the two sides have lingered for years, often slowing down progress on national priorities. Although both the federal and regional governments have held several meetings aimed at easing the standoff, disagreements on power-sharing, security control, and administrative authority persist.
The meeting in Kismayo took place only weeks after Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Jubbaland for face-to-face talks with President Madoobe. However, those earlier discussions ended without a breakthrough. Monday’s meeting with the U.S. delegation served as another reminder of the international community’s interest in seeing Somalia’s leaders find common ground and rebuild trust.
Senior Jubbaland ministers, including the Ministers of Interior, Planning, and International Relations, attended the meeting to present updates on security operations and the state-building process. They outlined ongoing efforts to expand local governance, improve coordination with security forces, and strengthen public services. These efforts, they said, can only succeed with consistent cooperation between the regional administration and the federal government.
The U.S. delegation expressed support for programs that promote governance, electoral processes, and institutional development across Somalia. They encouraged both levels of government to continue dialogue, emphasizing that political stability is essential for progress in security and humanitarian recovery.
Overall, the meeting was seen as an opportunity to reaffirm cooperation between Jubbaland and the United States at a time when Somalia is working to overcome both conflict-related and climate-related challenges. While no major announcements were made, the engagement highlighted the shared commitment to peace, stability, and long-term development. Whether these efforts will help ease political tensions or accelerate progress on security remains to be seen, but both sides described the discussion as constructive and timely.