A high-level United States delegation arrived in Kismayo on Monday, led by U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley. The delegation was formally received by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) during a working visit focused on security, development, and Somalia’s evolving political landscape.
According to Jubaland authorities, President Madobe met with Ambassador Riley alongside the regional Minister of Interior and the Minister of Planning & International Relations. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on security collaboration and U.S. support for ongoing development initiatives in Jubaland.
The talks also delved into the broader national political situation. Participants discussed the disputed electoral process and the ongoing state-building efforts, issues that continue to shape political debate across Somalia.
The visit comes as Kismayo prepares to host key political stakeholders in the coming weeks. The Presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, leaders of the Opposition Forum, members of both houses of the Somali Parliament, and various national politicians are expected to convene in the city to assess the country’s political climate and evaluate options for the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the federal government maintains its position that Somalia is committed to a one-person, one-vote electoral system and will not return to the indirect polling mechanism previously held in Mogadishu.
However, several political groups argue that nationwide direct elections are not currently feasible. They are calling for a mutually agreed-upon transitional arrangement before the constitutional mandates of federal institutions expire.
@Horseedmedia
According to Jubaland authorities, President Madobe met with Ambassador Riley alongside the regional Minister of Interior and the Minister of Planning & International Relations. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on security collaboration and U.S. support for ongoing development initiatives in Jubaland.
The talks also delved into the broader national political situation. Participants discussed the disputed electoral process and the ongoing state-building efforts, issues that continue to shape political debate across Somalia.
The visit comes as Kismayo prepares to host key political stakeholders in the coming weeks. The Presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, leaders of the Opposition Forum, members of both houses of the Somali Parliament, and various national politicians are expected to convene in the city to assess the country’s political climate and evaluate options for the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the federal government maintains its position that Somalia is committed to a one-person, one-vote electoral system and will not return to the indirect polling mechanism previously held in Mogadishu.
However, several political groups argue that nationwide direct elections are not currently feasible. They are calling for a mutually agreed-upon transitional arrangement before the constitutional mandates of federal institutions expire.
@Horseedmedia
