KISMAYO — The Jubbaland administration has released Federal Senator and prominent opposition figure Ilyas Bedel Gaboose following nearly 16 months of detention in the port city of Kismayo.
Officials characterized the release as a strategic move to ease political tensions and advance regional reconciliation ahead of critical national processes.
Reconciliation Meeting
Gaboose, who had been confined to house arrest since 2024, was freed by regional authorities amid sustained domestic pressure. Immediately following his release, Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) convened a consultative session with the Senator and Sheikh Dahir Ahmed Abdullahi to discuss unity and the broader interests of the state.
In a statement issued after the talks, President Madobe stressed that peace and stability must supersede political competition.
“The common good, peace, and unity of Jubbaland’s people transcend political differences,” Madobe stated.
He further indicated that his administration is prepared to make “significant concessions” to ensure enduring stability and remains dedicated to resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue.
Background of the Dispute
Senator Gaboose’s initial detention followed his leadership of a political faction that contested the legitimacy of Madobe’s re-election process. His opposition exacerbated tensions between the regional administration and the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu, which was widely perceived to have supported Gaboose’s challenge.
Throughout his incarceration, the Senator became emblematic of the region’s internal political divisions, with opposition figures frequently accusing authorities of using detention to silence dissent.
Strategic Timing
The release occurs during a pivotal period as Somalia confronts a constitutional crisis and prepares for the 2026 elections.
Observers suggest this move represents a strategic effort by the Jubbaland administration to strengthen its local standing and reset relations with opposing factions before anticipated negotiations with the national government regarding the electoral model.
