Kenya steps up mediation between Somali President Hassan Sheikh and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe.

The Kenyan government has reportedly renewed efforts to reconcile Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam ( Ahmed Madobe), whose protracted political rift has previously fueled deadly clashes in Raaskambooni (Lower Jubba) and Beled Hawo (Gedo).

Nairobi’s latest push, which could culminate in a direct, face-to-face summit between the two leaders, comes at a critical moment as Somalia edges closer to its 2026 elections. The polls are already overshadowed by unresolved electoral disputes and controversial constitutional amendments that observers warn could undermine national stability.

The renewed mediation drive follows widespread reports on Somali social media claiming that President Hassan Sheikh and Ahmed Madobe held a telephone conversation on Monday night. The alleged call was portrayed as a breakthrough in easing tensions between Villa Somalia and the Jubbaland presidency.

However, sources close to Jubbaland’s leadership dismissed the claims, insisting that no such conversation took place. Trusted insiders went further, describing the reports as “deliberately misleading” and aimed at projecting progress where none has been made.

Despite this, diplomatic sources maintain that Kenya has intensified behind-the-scenes shuttle diplomacy in recent weeks. National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji is said to be spearheading Nairobi’s initiative, engaging both camps in an effort to bring them to the negotiating table.

Although direct communication between the Somali president and the Jubbaland leader has yet to occur, observers say Kenya and its international partners remain optimistic that dialogue is possible.

President Hassan Sheikh is expected in Nairobi later this week in what analysts view as a crucial step in the mediation process. His visit is officially framed around strengthening bilateral ties, but diplomats suggest it will also serve as a platform to push forward reconciliation efforts between Villa Somalia and Jubbaland.

The outcome of these efforts could prove pivotal, not only for federal-regional relations but also for Somalia’s wider political stability as the country navigates the road toward its next elections.

Tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe have persisted for years, often spilling into violence. Clashes between federal forces and Jubbaland security units erupted in Beled Hawo (Gedo region) and Raaskambooni (Lower Jubba), leaving dozens dead and displacing civilians.

The disputes centered on Jubbaland’s contested state elections, which Villa Somalia rejected, accusing Madobe of irregularities. Since then, relations between Mogadishu and Kismayo have remained fraught, with repeated failed attempts at reconciliation despite regional and international mediation.

Mustaqbal