Somali President, Ethiopian PM meet in Addis Ababa amid growing tensions in Jubaland region

President Hassan Mohamud arrived at the Ethiopian capital on Sunday afternoon for a “high-level discussion” with the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

According to a statement by Villa Somalia, President Hassan emphasized upholding each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while advancing development initiatives.

On his part, Abiy Ahmed posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the two leaders met “for discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.”

Today, I met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia, for discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/q9nSvDuqKa

— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) October 12, 2025

The diplomatic outreach occurs against a backdrop of escalating internal political strife in Somalia, particularly over the ongoing rift between President Mohamud and Jubaland State leader Ahmed Madobe.

Tensions have mounted over issues of federal authority, electoral reforms, resource distribution, and regional governance— issued central to the straining relationship between the central government in Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration.

Recent media reports suggest plans to establish a new Jubaland administration in the Gedo region, potentially altering local power structures and challenging the federal system’s cohesion following last week’s truce talks in Kismayo that ended without a political breakthrough.

In Addis on Sunday, President Hassan Mohamud stressed the need for unified action to eradicate terrorism, reaffirming Somalia’s role in fostering peace through collaborative security and economic measures.

“Somalia is committed to ensuring regional cooperation for peace, good neighborliness, and strengthening stability,” the statement by Villa Somalia said in part.

President Hassan Mohamud with Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe at Siyad Abdille Hassan International Airport in Kismayo.

Background on the Fallout 

The political rift between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland State President Ahmed Madobe stems from longstanding tensions over federalism and a deep divide over electoral processes in Somalia’s fragile federal system.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, re-elected in 2022, has pushed for greater centralization of power in Mogadishu, while Madobe, a key ally in the fight against Al-Shabaab, defends Jubaland’s semi-autonomy, viewing federal actions as interference.

The conflict escalated after Jubaland’s indirect presidential election in November 2024, which the federal government dismissed as “illegitimate,” leading to a boycott of national consultative meetings by Madobe.

Recent talks in Kismayo, mediated by Kenya, Ethiopia, and the UAE, collapsed quickly, with Mohamud dismissing Madobe’s demands for legitimacy.

The federal government is reportedly eyeing a new administration in Jubaland’s Gedo region, further straining relations and risking armed conflict.

Jubaland lawmakers and cabinet have accused Mohamud of “illegal interference” and tactics reminiscent of his 2012-2017 term, warning it could undermine national unity.

This fallout threatens Somalia’s stability by diverting focus from counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab, who could exploit the divisions. It also involves regional powers, as seen in Mohamud’s recent Ethiopia visit amid the crisis, potentially complicating Horn of Africa dynamics.

Without reconciliation, it risks deepening constitutional disputes and delaying elections, with Madobe’s allies framing it as a battle for federalism versus central control.