The rivalry between Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe and President Mohammed Farmaajo is turning from bad to worse following latest sanctions from Mogadishu.
On Monday, Farmaajo's administration withdrew passports for leaders allied to Sheikh Madobe, a move that literally affects their travelling arrangements.
Among those affected are Jubaland planning minister Aw Hersi who had arrived in Mogadishu to attend the 9th National Development plan on debt relief.
The other is Madobe’s right hand man Limaan Adow Koshe, a commissioner for the district of Garhaberey in the Gedo region whose passport was confiscated.
The latest move comes against several oppressive moves by Farmaajo, including cancelling of flights which have affected relief services.
On Sunday, Farmaajo's administration also lifted flight ban imposed on aircrafts jetting to Kismayo Airport, the heart of Jubaland.
Last week, Farmaajo suspended all flights to Kismayo Airport in what forced Mr Madobe, a key ally of Kenya, to postpone his inauguration as Jubaland President.
"Somalia Government lifts a week-long travel ban on Kismayo city, Jubaland state which sparked public outcry as the blockade severely effected livelihood, humanitarian operations and health," Radio Dalsan confirmed.
So vicious has been the battle between the two leaders that Madobe was forced to fire warning early this month against the federal government.
"We took dead bodies and wounds on our shoulders as we entered Kismayo while he was having coffee at Starbucks at the time," warned Sheikh Madobe.