Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met with a high-level Kenyan delegation on Tuesday, where discussions focused on enhancing ties between the neighboring countries and cooperating in areas such as security, trade, and regional stability.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the Kenyan delegation conveyed greetings from President William Ruto. The delegation included Ambassador Mahboub Moallin, Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey, and Hon. Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow.

While official details emphasized strengthening bilateral relations, political analysts suggest that the delegation’s visit may aim to mediate ongoing tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State.

Jubaland established its own independent electoral and boundaries commission and announced plans to hold regional elections independently of FGS oversight early this week.

This move was met with opposition from the federal government, which insists on a unified election timeline agreed upon during the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu.

The visit from Kenya, given its strategic ties to Somalia, raises speculation about whether Nairobi could help mediate the ongoing standoff. However, it remains unclear whether the delegation will succeed in finding a resolution to the dispute, which has seen Jubaland and Puntland openly challenge the federal government’s electoral roadmap.