Somali PM meets with Kenyan delegation as mediation efforts begin in federal-Jubbaland dispute

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met with a Kenyan delegation in Mogadishu on Tuesday, marking the start of mediation efforts to ease the political standoff between the federal government and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe over the upcoming electoral process…

The Kenyan delegation, consisting of senior political figures including former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretary General Mahbub Moalim, former IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey, and Wajir County Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow, previously held talks with Madobe in Kismayo. 

While details of that discussion remain undisclosed, Jubbaland Presidential Palace confirmed that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had personally requested Kenyan assistance to mediate the ongoing conflict.

During the meeting with Barre, discussions focused on strengthening ties between Kenya and Somalia, particularly in security, politics, and trade. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kenya’s ongoing support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and regional stability.

The federal government’s disagreement with Jubbaland intensified after Jubbaland’s unilateral appointment of an electoral committee, a move the federal government opposed.

The dispute escalated when Madobe exited the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, demanding that Puntland and SSC Khatumo be included, as Puntland continues to boycott NCC sessions amid its own disagreements with the federal administration.