Jubaland reportedly canceled Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's visit to Kismayo, just two days after severing ties with the federal government. Barre was to facilitate talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Ahmed Madobe ahead of Jubaland's upcoming indirect election.
After the cancellation, Barre, a native of Jubaland, spoke with Kenyan military officials securing Kismayo's airport, requesting an alternative route. However, the officials could not promise his safety, citing security concerns due to the political tensions, according to the media. Barre is now considering a sea route, a move that could escalate tensions further.
Tensions between Somalia's federal government and Jubaland escalated after Jubaland established its own election commission, prompting Mogadishu to condemn the move and sever ties. Both Jubaland and Puntland accuse the central government of exceeding its constitutional authority, highlighting a disagreement over regional elections. The federal government insists on its own oversight, while Jubaland advocates for its own electoral process.