The government of Jubaland has officially suspended relations with Somalia's federal authorities, according to a Western news agency. On Monday, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe was re-elected president of the semi-autonomous state of Jubaland. The Somali federal government rejected the election and eventually issued an arrest warrant for Madobe. This action was mirrored by Jubaland, which also issued an arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
"The Jubaland government has officially and completely suspended relations and cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia," Jubaland regional government said, as quoted by a Western news outlet.
Earlier, Jubaland reportedly canceled the visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Kismayo in Jubaland. Barre was to facilitate talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe ahead of indirect elections in Jubaland.