Nairobi (WDN) – Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe) has held a high-level meeting with Sultan Said Mohamed Garaase, one of Somalia’s most respected traditional leaders from Puntland, in a move widely seen as reinforcing the vital role of traditional elders in fostering national unity and reconciliation.
Reports about the meeting indicated that, it focused on Somalia’s evolving political landscape and the indispensable contribution of traditional leaders in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and safeguarding the country’s federal system.
Recently Puntland and Villa Somalia have drifted further apart politically, and tensions deepened between the two sides. Puntland has faced what it describes as a sustained political offensive by the Federal Government, which it accuses of using Puntland politicians opposed to President Said Abdullahi Deni to undermine the regional administration and expand Mogadishu’s influence.
In a statement released by the Jubaland Presidency on Wednesday evening, officials described the discussions between President MAdoobe and Sultan Garaaseas “productive and constructive,” emphasizing the shared commitment of both leaders to advancing peace and preserving Somalia’s unity during a critical period in the nation’s political development.
“The President of the Jubaland State, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam, held a fruitful meeting with Sultan Said Mohamed Garaase, one of Somalia’s distinguished traditional leaders,” the statement said.
According to the presidency, the discussions centered on the overall situation in Somalia, the historic role of traditional elders in conflict resolution, and strategies to reinforce national solidarity and strengthen bonds among Somali communities.
Both sides underscored the enduring importance of Somalia’s traditional leadership institutions, which have long served as trusted mediators during times of political tension and have played a pivotal role in preserving dialogue between communities and government leaders alike.
Sultan Garaase is among Somalia’s most influential traditional elders. He was one of the 135 traditional leaders entrusted with endorsing members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament during the country’s indirect electoral process, reflecting the central role elders continue to play in Somalia’s governance and state-building efforts. One of the parliamentary seats he traditionally endorsed is currently allocated to Jubaland.
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is navigating complex political challenges, making engagement between elected leaders and respected traditional authorities increasingly significant. Analysts say such consultations can help build consensus, reduce political tensions, and create space for dialogue at a time when cooperation among Somalia’s political stakeholders is essential.
For Jubaland, the engagement also highlights the administration’s continued emphasis on consultation, inclusivity, and the belief that sustainable peace and national stability are best achieved through dialogue that brings together political leaders, traditional elders, and the wider Somali community.
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