Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia was noticeably absent from the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Nairobi, choosing instead to send his Minister of Commerce to represent the nation. While such substitutions are not uncommon in regional forums, the timing of this decision has stirred speculation across diplomatic circles.
The no-show comes just two days after high-stakes reconciliation talks between the Federal Government and Jubbaland State, mediated by Kenya, collapsed without agreement. The negotiations, aimed at easing long-standing tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo, had been viewed as a crucial step toward stabilizing Somalia’s fragile political landscape.
Sources familiar with the discussions say the talks faltered over power-sharing and control of security forces in Jubbaland, a federal member state whose leadership has frequently clashed with the central government. Kenya, which played host and mediator, had hoped to secure a breakthrough that would reinforce its diplomatic standing in the region. Instead, the stalemate risks fanning mistrust—not only between Mogadishu and Kismayo, but potentially between Somalia and Kenya itself.
President Mohamud’s absence from the Nairobi summit is being interpreted by some observers as a subtle diplomatic message, perhaps signaling dissatisfaction with Kenya’s mediation role or a deliberate move to avoid public scrutiny following the failed talks. Others argue the president may be prioritizing domestic cohesion over regional appearances at a time when Somalia is preparing for sensitive political and security transitions.
At the summit, Somalia’s commerce minister delivered remarks stressing the importance of regional integration and economic cooperation, but the symbolic weight of presidential representation was missing. Leaders from across the bloc spent the day discussing trade, infrastructure, and peacebuilding—topics central to Somalia’s future.
Whether the President’s decision reflects a temporary tactical retreat or a shift in regional strategy remains unclear. What is certain is that Somalia’s internal dynamics are increasingly shaping how it is seen beyond its borders.