President Mohamud to Head to Kismayo in a First After Year of Tensions

GOOBJOOG NEWS|KISMAYO: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to arrive in Kismayo within hours, in what marks his first visit to Jubaland in more than a year of strained relations between the federal government and the regional administration.

The visit follows months of quiet mediation led by Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, which helped ease tensions that had flared into political and military confrontations last year in the Raaskaambooni and Gedo regions. The renewed dialogue has opened the door for improved cooperation between Villa Somalia and the Jubaland administration, signaling a possible thaw in relations.

Officials say an advance team from the presidency arrived in Kismayo earlier in the week, holding coordination meetings with Jubaland leaders and security commanders to prepare for the president’s arrival.

As the city readies for the visit, hundreds of residents and regional officials have gathered at Kismayo Airport to welcome the president and his delegation. Large billboards displaying his image and messages of goodwill have been erected across the city, reflecting a mood of optimism and a changing political tone in the southern port city.