Galmadug, Southwest silent on Senate speaker's rally for urgent dialogue in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia - In what could raise anxiety over the calls for urgent dialogue between federal government and member states, two regional governments in Somalia have remained silent over the matter, despite rare statement by Senate leader which endorsed negotiations.

Both the FGS and federal states have been speaking from a different script over the impending elections in Somalia, leading to calls for constructive dialogue to end the impasse, and importantly, salvage the dwindling hopes of holding polls.

In a rather unprecedented statement on Tuesday, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, the Senate speaker, called for "urgent meeting" involving all stakeholders in Somalia, adding that the conference should take place before June 25.

The meeting, he said, will be chaired by a committee appointed by him and whose mandate would be bringing federal leaders and regional officials together. It's not clear if he'd share similar sentiments with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

And his remarks have already gained traction, with Puntland, Jubaland and HirShabelle states endorsing the proposal, of Somalia's give existing states. Somaliland is autonomous after declaring self-independence in 1991 and has since been running a parallel administration.

In a statement, Puntland welcomed the remarks by Senate leader, adding that the talks should be held before June 20. The state, which is under the leadership of Said Abdullahi Deni, accused Mogadishu administration of derailing election process, adding that President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is responsible for instability within federal states.

On it's part, Jubaland termed the proposal by the speaker "timely" and asked the federal government to "urgently" call for the meeting to avoid "unnecessary conflicts" when the country goes for elections.

"As a representative of the Federal Member States’ views and interests in Parliament, We support the Upper House’s call for dialogue and compromise to resolve outstanding issues such as elections, comprehensive security, and common front against the spreading Covid19," added Mohamed Abdi Waare, the president of HirShabelle.

But Southwest under Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen is yet to issue a common stand on the remarks by the Senate leader, despite other states endorsing the statement. Lafta-Gareen is a close ally of President Farmajo.

Last week, reports indicated that the state had literally paralyzed a preliminary meeting between FGS and FMS. The state, sources said, had opposed called for early dialogue, in a move which observers linked to possible pressure from Farmajo due to his close ties with the state.

Galmadug, another state where the federal government was accused of influencing elections in February, is also yet to affirm the statement by the speaker. Regional leader Ahmed Kariye alias Qoor Qoor is also a close ally of Mogadishu administration.

The two states had their elections held in 2018 and 2020 respectively marred with controversy, with Farmajo's regime accused of "imposing" the leadership on the people. Analysts believe that the two leaders could be non-committal for national dialogue just like FGS since they are "its products".

Somalia is set to hold polls later this year but the electoral model, delimitation of constituencies, representation of Banadir and Somaliland and fulfilment of 30 quota for women have been the most contested issues which need urgent settlement.

Already, the US has asked the FGS to ensure urgent dialogue with FMS and other stakeholders. The electoral commission and parliamentary ad-hoc committee on elections will give proposals on the contentious matters before the end of June.

In a statement on Wednesday, the US also welcomed calls by the Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi for the urgent meeting and the endorsement by the three states, arguing that the Somalia's future lies on "honest and constructive" dialogue.

"We welcome recent statements by Speaker of the Upper House Abdi Hashi, President of Hirshabelle Mohamed Abdi Ware, President of Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni, and President of Jubaland Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, and other stakeholders who have requested an FGS-FMS meeting, engagement, and dialogue in keeping with the Somali Constitution," read the statement.

Washington Ambassador to Mogadishu Donald Yamamoto has been instrumental in pushing for political reconciliation in Somalia, and the US has previously raised concerns about delayed dialogue between the federal government and member states.

GAROWE ONLINE

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