Jubaland and Puntland 'Win' First Round in Political Standoff Against FGS

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal administrations of Jubaland and Puntland may have won the political tussles against Mogadishu after boycotting the National Consultative Council (NCC), protesting against Villa Somalia’s 'irrational' policies that are not based on consensus.

For longer periods of time, Jubaland and Puntland have raised concerns about the approach of the federal government in constitutional amendments, questioning the dictatorial approach to changing of voting model without agreement with relevant stakeholders.

With the two states protesting against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s approach, the US, which is a major financial partner, has seemingly disowned the outcomes of the recently concluded National Consultative Council dialogue, calling for a broad-based approach.

"All relevant stakeholders should have a say in changes to Somalia’s federal and election systems," the Bureau of African Affairs, a critical office in the Department of State, wrote on Friday, signalling the concerns of the United States.

"Decisions taken without broad-based support will lack legitimacy and distract from pressing security challenges," the Bureau further said, in what appears to be a major blow to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The NCC only brought together Ali Gudlawe (Hirshabelle), Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen (Southwest), Ahmed Kaliye (Galmudug), the Mogadishu Mayor and PM Hamza Abdi Barre. With Said Abdullahi Deni (Puntland) and Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe (Jubaland) absent, the federal government brought in Firdhiye Aw-Ali of SSC Khaatumo.

In the communique, the federal government and regional leaders urged all regions to collaborate with the federal electoral committee towards holding a popular election, which Puntland and Jubaland have rejected, citing a lack of consensus

They have also tasked the Ministry of Interior and the federal government to come up with a plan aimed at establishing a “legitimate administration” for Jubaland. The federal government and Jubaland leaders disagreed over the legitimacy of last year’s regional leadership elections.

Hassan Sheikh also asked for close collaboration with federal states in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who still control large swathes of rural central and southern regions. The militants have made significant gains in central regions after managing to retake control of Adan Yabaal.

GAROWE ONLINE