Somalia’s President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo traveled to Kinshasa for high-level talks with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, chair of the African Union, following his controversial two-year term extension. The trip is both symbolic and strategic, projecting a sense of business-as-usual while signaling to regional and international actors that Farmaajo’s extension is a fait accompli. Reports indicate a possible Qatar-mediated deal offering recognition of the extension by Kenya in exchange for de-escalation over the maritime dispute. Qatar has been actively cultivating ties in Africa to protect its investments and broker solutions between Mogadishu and Nairobi. Recognition by Kenya could strengthen Farmaajo’s position against growing domestic and international pressure, while Tshisekedi might lobby other African states to follow suit. Recent maneuvers, including Abdirashid Janan’s return to Somalia, suggest Villa Somalia is consolidating support ahead of potential opposition challenges. However, Farmaajo’s shift toward negotiating with Kenya, despite his earlier resistance, underscores his political desperation and raises doubts about his ability to deliver on agreements. The Kinshasa visit highlights the complex geopolitics surrounding Somalia’s electoral crisis, illustrating the fragile calculations and regional dynamics that shape Farmaajo’s survival strategy.