MOGADISHU — Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, has returned to Kismayo amid escalating tensions with Somalia’s Federal Government over political and electoral developments in the region.

His return comes as reports indicate he is overseeing both political and military mobilization within Jubbaland, particularly in the Gedo region, where tensions between the regional administration and Villa Somalia have been mounting. Sources say both sides are once again positioning themselves for a possible confrontation in parts of Gedo, as the Federal Government moves forward with plans to implement one-person, one-vote elections, a proposal Jubbaland has openly rejected.

The Jubbaland administration has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to hold elections in territories under its control, especially in Gedo. Somalia’s independent electoral commission had earlier announced an election timetable for several districts in the region.

Jubbaland Vice President Mahmoud Sayid Aden questioned why the Federal Government appeared to be focusing solely on Gedo, noting that Jubbaland consists of three regions and arguing that the electoral plan was not being applied equally across the administration.

He also stated that Jubbaland does not recognize the electoral commission that issued the timetable, underscoring the widening political rift between the two sides.

The Federal Government, meanwhile, considers one-person, one-vote elections a key step in Somalia’s democratic transition, though it has not formally responded to Jubbaland’s rejection of the process.

The renewed tensions come at a time when Gedo has already witnessed repeated political and security disputes, heightening concerns that the situation could further deteriorate.