Jubaland and Puntland leaders to meet in Nairobi for talks on alliance against Somali President Hassan
Once political adversaries, Saeed and Ahmed have decided to settle their differences and work together to challenge President Hassan, who returned to power in 2022.
The leaders of Somalia's Jubaland and Puntland regions are expected to meet in Nairobi this week for discussions aimed at forming a new political alliance to challenge President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has recently consolidated more power and influence by building several alliances.
Reports indicate that Puntland's leader, Saeed Abdullahi Deni, left the city of Bosaso on Tuesday and is on his way to Nairobi, while Jubaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, is already in Nairobi and has been meeting with Kenyan leaders and Somali politicians ahead of the crunch talks.
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Once political adversaries, Saeed and Ahmed have decided to settle their differences and work together to challenge President Hassan, who returned to power in 2022. They are rebuilding their alliance because they believe the President's Office (Villa Somalia) has been sidelining them from critical government affairs.
Rival administration
According to the Somali Guardian, the federal government is trying to weaken the duo's control by setting up a rival administration in Jubaland to remove Ahmed from power. The Somali government is also backing Police Chief Asad Osman Diyano in Puntland, who has close ties to a powerful local security force.
These moves have sparked tension in northern Galkayo, where troops loyal to both sides have been deployed, raising fears of a possible armed clash. The development comes as President Hassan pushes ahead with plans for a one-person, one-vote election system.
However, many regional leaders argue that the country's ongoing insecurity, especially the presence of Al-Shabaab in large areas, makes this plan unrealistic.
Resist Hassan's expanding political control
While Hassan has already brought several key regional leaders into his camp, Saeed and Ahmed are now joining forces to resist his expanding political control.
The Somali government has not issued an official statement regarding the Nairobi meeting.
It remains to be seen what ramifications Kenya may face for allowing the talks to take place on its soil.
This situation draws parallels to a recent incident where Kenya faced significant backlash for hosting members of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi.
In February 2025, the RSF and allied groups signed a charter in Nairobi to establish a parallel government in Sudan, leading to Sudan recalling its ambassador from Kenya and accusing Nairobi of violating its sovereignty and international law.
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