Jubaland

Kenya’s quiet diplomacy in Kismayo underscores fragile balance between Mogadishu and Jubaland KISMAYO — When a federal delegation led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Kismayo this month for talks with Jubaland’s leaders, the public language that followed was notably measured. Jubaland’s presidency thanked Kenya for its “constructive efforts” in facilitating the discussions, and Jubaland president Ahmed Mohamed Islam — better known as Ahmed Madobe — spoke of dialogue, compromise and unity. But the absence of an…

Mohamud’s Visit to Kismayo: A Fragile Gesture Toward Reconciliation KISMAYO, Somalia — When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud travels to Kismayo this weekend for talks with Jubaland’s leader Ahmed “Madobe” Mohamed, he will be stepping into a political landscape that has been scarred by years of public acrimony, private deals and military showdowns. The trip — brokered quietly by Nairobi and welcomed, cautiously, by regional capitals — is less a triumph than a test of whether local rivals can move from brinkmanship to…

Political Heat, Border Anxiety: Who’s Really in Mandera? In the dusty markets and sparser stretches of Kenya’s northeastern frontier, a debate that began as a whisper has become a roar — and it is testing the fragile seam where local livelihoods, national politics and regional security meet. This week Nairobi dismissed claims that troops from Somalia’s Jubaland state were operating inside Mandera County, calling them “baseless rumours.” But the dispute has already deepened distrust between residents, county leaders and the…

Somalia's Jubaland State Raises Alarm: A Call for Unity in Troubling Times KISMAYO, Somalia — In a bold and critical statement that echoes through the tumultuous landscape of Somalia's politics, the Jubaland state has voiced increasing concern regarding what it describes as the federal government's abandonment of pivotal national priorities, namely the fight against al-Shabaab militants and the promotion of national unity. As Somalia grapples with the weight of insecurity, economic struggles, and deepening political…

The Rising Tensions in Mandera: A Call for Action Against Alleged Jubaland Forces MANDERA, Kenya - The quiet, arid landscape of Mandera is facing a storm of accusations and political demands, thrusting this northern Kenyan county into the global spotlight. Reports of alleged Jubaland forces operating within its borders have ignited a political firestorm, pushing the Kenyan government into a crucible of national security and sovereignty challenges. The urgency is palpable as local and national figures call for decisive…

Mandera’s uneasy morning: Allegations of Jubaland training on Kenyan soil test a fragile border On a normal school day, the dusty yard of Border Point 1 Primary in Mandera Town would fill with children in blue uniforms and plastic sandals, their chalkboards listing multiplication tables and Swahili proverbs. Instead, the gates are shut. And this week, the school became the unexpected center of a regional security storm when Mandera County officials alleged that Jubaland regional forces from Somalia are training there—inside…

Kenyan Governor Demands Pullout of Jubaland Troops From Mandera, Citing Threat to Sovereignty NAIROBI — Tension along Kenya’s northeastern frontier flared Friday as Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif accused Somalia’s Jubaland forces of setting up inside Mandera Town and demanded their immediate withdrawal, warning that the incursion endangered residents and tested Kenya’s sovereignty. Speaking at a public gathering in the border county where Kenya meets both Somalia and Ethiopia, Khalif said a group of Jubaland fighters…

KISMAYO, Somalia - The assertive Ahmed Madobe clinched a notable triumph for his 3rd term in office on Monday, facing vehement opposition from the corridors of Mogadishu, which is pushing for a universal ballot system, an idea that both Kismayo and Garowe aren't buying. Last month, Madobe made headlines when he bailed out of the National Consultative Council (NCC) conference. He effortlessly cruised to victory, raking in 55 nods from 75 regional lawmakers. Jubaland will now see him at the helm for another five…

Mogadishu (AX) — The international community is raising a red flag over the growing friction between Somalia's Federal Government and Jubaland State, urging a chill-out period and talks that bring something constructive to the table. This spat heated up post-Jubaland's no-show at the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a forum meant to iron out issues crucial for Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts. Not too long ago, in early October, Jubaland’s President Ahmed Madobe stepped away from an NCC talk,…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…