MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly asked Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe to back his plans for term extension in exchange for formal recognition of Madobe’s controversial 2024 regional election victory. Madobe secured a third term in office amid disputes over the legitimacy of the vote.
Mohamud is expected to travel to Kismayo, the Jubaland capital, in the coming weeks as indirect talks between Mogadishu and Kismayo continue, with Kenya mediating the ongoing negotiations. Earlier this month, direct discussions between the two leaders in Kismayo collapsed within a day, reflecting the deep divisions over the disputed regional election.
To avoid further breakdowns, the dialogue is now taking place remotely with the aim of creating a more conducive environment for future face-to-face meetings. However, significant sticking points remain, making a resolution challenging.
According to local sources, President Mohamud has softened his previous demands, now asking Madobe to endorse his plans for term extension in return for official recognition of Madobe’s election win. Madobe, however, has resisted this proposal, arguing that extending the federal president’s term is a matter for the Somali people at large and not a concession he is willing to grant. Mohamud’s own constitutional term in office is also nearing its end.
As part of the negotiations, Mohamud suggested that Madobe pardon politicians from Jubaland who supported the federal government during the year-long political dispute. This offer was met with little resistance from Jubaland’s leadership.
In addition, Jubaland has insisted that the federal government lift a freeze on its budget allocations and end an air embargo restricting passenger flights to Kismayo and other airports under Jubaland control. These demands underscore the region’s growing assertiveness in its dealings with Mogadishu.
Plans by President Mohamud to extend his term have been widely anticipated, despite his insistence on holding universal suffrage elections. Critics from the opposition and regional administrations argue that such elections are unrealistic due to Somalia’s ongoing security challenges, financial constraints, and limited government control beyond Mogadishu.
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