Kismayo, Somalia – Flights scheduled to transport advance security teams from Mogadishu to Kismayo ahead of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s expected visit were delayed on Wednesday, raising questions about preparations for the high-profile trip.
Officials from the Jubbaland State House confirmed to the media that the deployment was put on hold due to “unfinished arrangements,” but declined to provide further details. The teams were reportedly meant to conduct venue assessments and coordinate presidential protection with regional forces — a standard procedure before any head-of-state movement into volatile areas.
The federal presidency in Mogadishu has not issued any statement on the delay, nor clarified whether the president’s visit remains on schedule. Sources indicate the trip was intended to lay groundwork for critical political talks in Kismayo, where tensions between the central government and regional leaders have recently intensified over the 2026 electoral roadmap.
Security coordination between federal forces and Jubbaland authorities has historically been fraught, particularly in southern regions where Al-Shabaab maintains an active presence. The delay has sparked speculation over whether the setback is merely technical or reflective of deeper logistical or political disagreements.
As of Wednesday evening, no new departure time had been announced, and both federal and state officials remain tight-lipped.
The stalled deployment now leaves uncertainty hanging over President Mohamud’s anticipated visit — one that was expected to signal progress in national reconciliation efforts.