GAROWE, Somalia — Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, is set to visit Puntland’s capital, Garowe, this week for a high-level meeting with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, amid growing political uncertainty in Somalia, sources told Caasimada Online.
The visit, confirmed by sources close to both administrations, aims to bolster ties between the two federal member states and coordinate on national issues, particularly Somalia’s ongoing electoral disputes and worsening security situation.
The scheduled talks are expected to enhance intergovernmental cooperation, restore political trust, and address the broader challenges facing Somalia’s federal structure.
“The meeting between Presidents Madobe and Deni is crucial for aligning regional strategies and presenting a united stance on key national matters,” a Puntland official told Caasimada Online, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The two leaders are longtime allies in advocating for a decentralized federal system, and their coordination is seen as a potential counterweight to the federal government’s growing centralization efforts in Mogadishu.
Election stalemate
At the heart of the talks lies Somalia’s protracted electoral deadlock. Disagreements between the federal government and member states over the electoral framework, constitutional amendments, and power-sharing have stalled political progress and triggered renewed mistrust.
Both Madobe and Deni have publicly criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration for what they view as top-down decision-making that marginalizes regional voices.
Analysts suggest this meeting could help forge a common position on election modalities and reinforce the call for a more inclusive, consensus-based political process.
The two regional states also share serious security concerns. Both Puntland and Jubbaland border key conflict zones and have been on the front lines in the fight against the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militant group.
Yet coordination with the federal government on security matters has often faltered, weakening national counterterrorism efforts. By strengthening regional security collaboration, Madobe and Deni may aim to fill operational gaps left by inconsistent federal engagement.
A country at a crossroads
The timing of the visit underscores its urgency. Somalia faces a complex mix of political paralysis, security instability, and humanitarian challenges, including displacement driven by climate shocks and conflict.
Recent tensions between Mogadishu and various regional administrations have heightened fears of a breakdown in federal cohesion. International partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, have called on Somali leaders to pursue genuine dialogue and avoid deepening divisions.
Though limited in scope, this meeting could mark a critical step toward re-establishing inter-regional trust and reinvigorating Somalia’s stalled political transition.
Ahmed Madobe has led Jubbaland since 2013. He began as a militia commander, later allied with Kenyan forces in the fight against al-Shabaab, and transitioned into political leadership. He secured his fourth term as president on November 25, 2024, amid controversy and federal objection.
Said Abdullahi Deni, Puntland’s president since January 8, 2019, previously served as Somalia’s planning minister. He was re-elected on February 8, 2024, and advocated for constitutional federalism and enhanced regional autonomy.