KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe pressed the United States to increase investment in Somalia’s federal member states during talks in Kismayo with a U.S. delegation led by Ambassador Richard H. Riley, as the region seeks to consolidate security gains against al-Shabab.
In the engagement with the ambassador and senior diplomats, Madobe outlined a slate of priorities centered on security, governance and economic development, highlighting what his administration described as steady progress in extending state authority and stabilizing newly liberated areas.
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He reaffirmed Jubaland’s role as a central pillar in Somalia’s national counterterrorism campaign and said sustained cooperation with international partners — particularly the United States — remains vital to holding territory and protecting communities.
The talks also focused on development programming. Madobe emphasized aligning external support with Jubaland’s long-term plans for service delivery, infrastructure and institution-building. According to the administration, the U.S. delegation welcomed the state’s emphasis on accountability, tighter coordination and a pragmatic approach to state-building as it scales services in recovered districts.
On the political track, Madobe reiterated Jubaland’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and stable federal process. He underscored the state’s readiness to work constructively with national and regional stakeholders to safeguard the foundations of Somalia’s federal system amid ongoing reforms.
Jubaland, a longstanding security partner of Kenya and the United States, remains engaged in operations against al-Shabab in Middle Jubba. Regional authorities say militants have been retreating from their stronghold in Jilib as joint efforts intensify along key corridors.
Regional officials cast the U.S. visit as a signal of confidence in Jubaland’s leadership and its strategy to advance peace, resilience and development. Both sides voiced a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in support of a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Jubaland and Somalia at large.
- Security: Reinforce joint counterterrorism operations and stabilize newly liberated areas.
- Development: Align external funding with Jubaland’s priorities for services, infrastructure and institutions.
- Politics: Support a fair, inclusive federal process through constructive engagement with national and regional partners.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
