MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has canceled an arrest warrant for Jubaland President Ahmed Madoobe, clearing the way for him to attend high-level talks in Mogadishu on Feb. 1 and potentially easing a long-running standoff between federal and regional authorities.
The Banadir Regional Court issued the warrant in November 2024 after Madoobe secured a third-term victory in Kismayo, a re-election the federal government deemed illegal under the country’s shift toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system. The order had effectively barred Madoobe from traveling to the capital and participating in national political consultations.
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The upcoming Mogadishu meeting, convened by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is expected to bring together leaders from Puntland State, Jubaland and the Salvation Council opposition for direct talks aimed at stabilizing Somalia’s political calendar and security cooperation. The withdrawal of the warrant removes a procedural obstacle that had complicated efforts to seat all stakeholders at the same table.
According to officials involved in preparations, the agenda is expected to focus on issues central to the country’s governance and security architecture. Key items include:
- Strengthening political dialogue between the federal government and federal member states to reduce tensions and restore regular consultation mechanisms.
- Advancing national security coordination, including cooperation across federal and regional security structures amid ongoing threats.
- Resolving constitutional and electoral disputes tied to the transition to a one-person, one-vote system and clarifying the division of powers.
Court officials stressed that the judiciary operates independently and underscored the importance of all parties respecting legal decisions as a foundation for justice and stability. Their remarks came as stakeholders prepared for the latest round of talks, which Somali political watchers say could be pivotal in shaping the next phase of federal-state relations.
Observers say the government’s decision to lift the warrant could have major implications for the political process, signaling an attempt to lower the temperature while national leaders seek compromises on the timing and terms of electoral and constitutional reforms. It also allows Madoobe to engage directly in negotiations that could set timelines and frameworks for resolving disputes that have periodically stalled progress.
The Nov. 2024 warrant stemmed from the federal government’s rejection of the Kismayo ballot that returned Madoobe to office, contending it contradicted the new national electoral framework. By reversing that order ahead of the Feb. 1 meeting, authorities removed a key impediment to full participation by regional leaders and reopened a channel for face-to-face dialogue at a delicate moment for the federation.
With the path cleared for his attendance, Madoobe is expected to join counterparts in Mogadishu as participants work to establish confidence-building measures and a roadmap for implementation of agreed reforms. While differences remain, the renewed contact offers a test of whether Somalia’s leaders can translate de-escalation into concrete steps on governance, security and elections.
The development was reported by Axadle.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
