Reliable sources have revealed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe held a brief phone conversation, reportedly facilitated by Kenya’s Intelligence Chief, Noradin Yusuf Haji, who made a secret visit to Kismayo earlier this week.
According to insider reports, the call aimed to initiate a mediation process to ease the ongoing political tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Jubbaland administration. Just days after the phone call, Ahmed Madobe reportedly traveled to Nairobi.
The dispute between the two leaders began during the National Consultative Forum in October 2024, when disagreements arose over electoral matters—particularly the structure of election management.
Ahmed Madobe insisted that regional states should conduct their own elections independently, while Villa Somalia pushed for a unified federal electoral commission to oversee elections at both federal and state levels.
This disagreement escalated into violent clashes in Raaskambooni in December 2024 and in Beled Hawo in July 2025, leading to cross-border movements of forces from both sides along the Somalia-Kenya border.
Now, key questions arise: What interest does Kenya have in mediating between the two sides at this time, especially considering its previous reluctance? Could it be that President Hassan Sheikh has reached a point of accepting mediation with Ahmed Madobe? Or is Kenya acting out of concern over the possible establishment of a “new Jubbaland” government being organized by the FGS in Garbaharey?
