The Kenyan government has taken a major diplomatical move to mediate ideological differences between the Federal Government of Somalia and regional administration Jubbaland. This process would aim to broker a dialogue and establish valid solutions for the political wrangling between the two sides.
Kenya’s Role in the Mediation Process
Western media reports a senior Kenyan minister confirming that the recent visit of Jubbaland’s President to Nairobi was part of Kenya’s broader objective to promote reconciliation. He further reaffirmed that the minister of internal security of Kenya, Aden Bare, reassured that really in the whole processes of mediation there was dialogue that was supposed to be the only approach towards settling differences. During the Arusha conference, Japan set forth the question to be put before Samrai, as well as telling the president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to conveniently convince Ilaali Gayo into free negotiations.
Somalia’s Stance Regarding the Leaders of Jubbaland
As a contradiction to the mediation efforts dubbed Kenya, the Federal Government of Somalia has been fiercely against re-electing Ahmed Madobe as the chief of Jubbaland. In retaliation, Mogadishu troops were sent forth into the Raaskambooni region; this further escalated the tensions. Nonetheless, Nairobi, because of resistance from Jubbaland security forces, left.
Regional and Diplomatic Implications
The dispute over the leadership of Jubbaland carries heavy regional security implications for the Horn of Africa. Kenya, being a neighbor of Somalia, has vested interests in making certain that peace reigns in that area, further in connection to its perceived interest in conducting security operations and in turning to counter-terrorism. The ongoing conflict between the Federal Government and Jubbaland could weaken this investment; thus, it has become a major diplomatic assignment for the mediation team in administering issues concerning the two.
The Way Forward
Though rivalries do persist, most of the players still want a brokered solution. Kenya’s call on dialogue is symbolic of a regional attempt to stifle further escalation of hostility as they seek to remain clutch with their responsibilities to the Federal Government and Jubbaland.