Thursday November 7, 2024
Kismayo (HOL) — Federal lawmakers representing Jubbaland state arrived in Kismayo on Thursday for a consultation meeting called by Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe to address the growing political rift with Somalia’s federal government.
The upcoming high-level meeting, set for next week, aims to tackle mounting tensions between Jubbaland and federal leaders in Mogadishu, focusing on political disagreements and the approaching election process.
Security in Kismayo has been significantly heightened, with military forces stationed around the city in preparation.
The meeting follows ongoing mediation efforts by a Kenyan delegation, including senior figures like former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretary General Mahbub Moalim, former IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey, and Wajir County Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow, who arrived earlier this week to help de-escalate the situation.
The discord between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Madobe has intensified since Madobe walked out of the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, insisting that representatives from Puntland and SSC Khatumo be included. Puntland has maintained its own boycott of NCC meetings over disputes with the federal government, contributing to the strained political landscape.