President Hassan Sheikh Urged to Seek Reconciliation with Jubaland and Puntland

Mogadishu, Somalia – August 26, 2025 – 

Political tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and the regional administrations of Jubaland and Puntland continue to dominate the country’s political scene, raising concerns about unity, reconciliation, and long-term stability. Prominent Somali political analyst, Mohamed Xadir Nur, has urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to prioritise
peace and dialogue over confrontation in order to resolve these deepening disputes.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Shabelle Media, Mohamed Xadir warned that prolonged political deadlock and attempts to sideline regional administrations could severely undermine state-building efforts. He stressed that no meaningful solution can emerge from force or unilateral decisions, insisting that reconciliation and negotiation remain the only viable paths forward.

“Dialogue is the Only Way”

“The only way to resolve the disputes with Jubaland and Puntland is through dialogue and peace,” Mohamed Xadir explained. “No one can impose political change by force or pressure. Attempts to do so will only fuel mistrust, deepen divisions, and risk plunging the country into further instability.”

He specifically cautioned against efforts by the federal government to establish parallel administrations in Jubaland. Such moves, he said, would not only escalate political conflict but could also spark renewed insecurity in the already fragile southern regions.

“Building alternative structures against existing administrations creates unnecessary tension and could reverse years of progress. It is wiser and more sustainable to bring leaders to the negotiating table and find common ground,” he noted.

Historical Context of Federal-Regional Disputes

Somalia’s federal system, established in the early 2010s, was designed to give significant autonomy to regional states while maintaining a unified central government. However, disputes over power-sharing, resource allocation, and election management have consistently fueled mistrust between Mogadishu and member states such as Jubaland and Puntland.

Jubaland, led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe,” has frequently clashed with the federal government over security control in the Gedo region, where both federal forces and Jubaland-aligned militias operate. Puntland, Somalia’s oldest federal state, has long complained of marginalization and has on several occasions suspended cooperation with Mogadishu.

Analysts argue that unless the federal government adopts a more inclusive approach, the risk of renewed political and security crises remains high.

A Call for Political Maturity

Mohamed Xadir emphasized that President Hassan Sheikh has a unique opportunity to change course by embracing reconciliation. “Somalia has suffered decades of division. Our leaders must rise above personal or political interests and focus on national unity. We cannot afford endless quarrels while citizens demand stability, services, and development,” he said.

He added that trust-building measures, such as joint security coordination, resource-sharing agreements, and transparent dialogue platforms, could significantly ease tensions between Mogadishu, Jubaland, and Puntland.

Broader Implications

The failure to resolve these disputes has already weakened Somalia’s reconciliation agenda and hindered progress toward completing key national priorities, including constitutional review, security transition, and credible elections. International partners have repeatedly urged Somali leaders to close ranks and work together to consolidate fragile gains.

If mistrust continues, Mohamed Xadir warned, Somalia risks sliding back into political fragmentation, with each region pursuing its own agenda at the expense of national unity. “History has shown us that exclusion and confrontation only prolong conflict. Dialogue, compromise, and genuine reconciliation are the keys to lasting peace,” he concluded.

Outlook

As President Hassan Sheikh faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, his ability to bridge divides with Jubaland and Puntland may well define the success of his second term. Many Somalis hope that the spirit of negotiation will prevail, paving the way for a stronger, more cohesive federal system that reflects the aspirations of all its people.