Key talks to end electoral impasse in Somalia kicks off in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After many weeks of waiting, the much anticipated pre-election meeting between the federal government of Somalia and the federal member states have kicked off at Afisiyooni within Aden Adde International Airport, in what could solve Somalia's political impasse.

The meeting, which was brokered by members of the international community, had been delayed over claims that the federal government of Somalia was not keen to participate, or at least, organizers were looking for a way of incorporating outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

Initially, there were concerns about whether to involve Farmajo as the president of Somalia or just as a presidential candidate, given that his mandate expired on Feb 8, according to the constitution of the federal republic of Somalia.

For the first time in as many months, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and his Jubaland counterpart Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe met President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, whom they have been accusing of sabotage.

On Thursday, the two leaders, who have been fierce critics of Farmajo, accused FGS of overlooking them, even after spending over three weeks in Mogadishu. They accuse FGS of failing to implement September 17 pre-election deal.

Today's preliminary conference is intended to break the barriers and agree on an agenda for the next talks. Also present is the governor of Banadir Omar Filish, who has been fighting to have more representatives from the region in the Senate.

While it's not clear if the leaders will agree, members of the international community have been pushing them to bury their political differences. The outcome of the meeting will be revealed later this evening.

Follow Garowe Online for the latest development.

GAROWE ONLINE