President Ahmed Islam Madobe of Jubbaland was forced to leave the ongoing meeting in Mogadishu with fellow leaders and rush back to Jubbaland on Friday.
Madobe’s unexpected departure from the election talks was caused by a deadly suicide bombing attack by Al-Shabaab.
The Chairman of Jubbaland’s Chamber of Commerce, Shafi Rabbi Kahin was killed during the suicide bombing attack, which took place just outside a local mosque.
Madobe is expected to attend Kahin’s burial later on Saturday.