Kismayo, Jubbaland – In a dramatic turn in Somalia’s fractious politics, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Kismayo on Sunday to seek reconciliation with his longtime rival, Jubbaland regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe. The visit marks the most significant thaw in relations between the two leaders since tensions peaked nearly a year ago.
The bitter feud reached a flashpoint 11 months ago when a Mogadishu court issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, accusing him of “treason.” The charges stemmed from his refusal to endorse a federal political agreement on proceeding with direct elections. Madobe had argued at the time that the plan lacked inclusivity and that Somalia was unprepared for a nationwide popular vote.
In the aftermath, relations deteriorated sharply. The federal government deployed troops to Jubbaland, retook several strategic towns, and openly challenged Madobe’s authority. The standoff deepened political polarization and threatened to further destabilize the country as it navigated constitutional reforms and a fragile security transition.
President Mohamud’s trip to Kismayo signals a calculated shift in tone and strategy. According to officials familiar with the visit, the aim is to restore dialogue, prevent renewed confrontation, and refocus national efforts on security coordination and governance reforms. Both leaders are under rising pressure to present a united front as Somalia confronts an evolving threat from al-Shabaab and prepares for critical institutional restructuring.
The visit has generated cautious optimism among political observers, who view it as a test of whether Somalia’s federal and regional leaders can overcome rivalry and mistrust. For many residents of Jubbaland and beyond, the meeting represents a rare opportunity to de-escalate political tension and reorient attention toward national priorities.
While no formal agreements have been announced, the symbolism of President Mohamud setting foot in Kismayo—after months of hostility and military confrontation—marks a pivotal step. Whether the talks translate into lasting cooperation will depend on mutual concessions and a shared commitment to move past the grievances that once pushed the country to the brink of internal conflict.