MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Nairobi on Thursday for talks aimed at resolving a political standoff with the leader of Jubaland, a southern regional state that borders Kenya.
President Mohamud is responding to an official invitation following the collapse of Kenya-mediated talks with Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe earlier this month. The discussions, held in the Somali port city of Kismayo, broke down shortly after they began.
The Somali leader informed Speaker of Parliament Adan Madobe and Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagaren of his plans during a meeting in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
Tensions between the federal government and Jubaland have escalated since Ahmed Madobe secured a third term as regional president last year in an election Mogadishu has declared illegitimate and unconstitutional.
The dispute has led to political instability and periodic violence in the region, with the federal government accusing Madobe of defying national authority.
President Mohamud has said he is uncomfortable with the involvement of foreign governments in mediating the conflict but acknowledged that the current situation leaves him with little choice. He is expected to meet Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the way forward.
Kenya, along with Ethiopia, is seen as a key backer of the Jubaland administration. In recent months, Mogadishu has sought to establish a parallel regional authority in Jubaland in an attempt to pressure Madobe to step down or negotiate.
Earlier this week, President Mohamud travelled to Addis Ababa to seek support from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. However, sources say the talks ended without agreement.
It is not yet clear whether Kenya will support the Somali government’s plans or whether a new round of talks will be arranged. Some observers believe another round of talks is unlikely to produce results, pointing to the failure of the recent meeting in Kismayo.
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