Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday, marking a rare joint return to the capital after a prolonged political standoff with the federal government.
President Deni landed at Aden Adde International Airport accompanied by a delegation that included security officials. He was received by members of parliament, senators, opposition figures and representatives of civil society before being escorted to his residence at the Halane camp.
His arrival followed that of President Ahmed Madobe, who reached Mogadishu earlier in the day after an absence of roughly 18 months. Madobe was similarly welcomed by senior officials and community representatives at the airport.
Both leaders are attending a conference convened by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, bringing together Villa Somalia and members of the Future Council. The talks are expected to focus on national priorities, including elections, constitutional disputes, unity, security, the fight against Al-Shabaab and the broader governance crisis.
Deni and Madobe have largely stayed away from Mogadishu in recent years due to escalating tensions with the federal government, which at times led to a breakdown in cooperation between the centre and key federal member states.
The conference, scheduled to begin imminently, is being closely watched as a potential turning point in strained federal-state relations. Both presidents are expected to address the media and outline their positions as discussions get under way.
