Somalia: Farmajo holds virtual meeting with FMS leaders amid pressure from Int'l partners

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After a long push from several stakeholders over impending elections in Somalia, President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo held a meeting with regional leaders on Monday, in a move that would pave way for constructive dialogue between the FGS and FMS.

The federal government has been accused by a section of federal leaders of a plot to extend its term, despite the fact that its tenure is set to elapse in October, ostensibly paving room for fresh elections later on in December.

Sources who spoke to Garowe Online revealed that Farmajo convened a preliminary meeting with federal leaders, which was done on the WhatsApp conference call. Earlier, reports had indicated that the federal leader was to hold a virtual meeting via Zoom but failed due to technical problems.

In attendance at the meeting were Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and Mogadishu Mayor Omar Filish, but it's not clear if the two directly participated in the talks or had just attended to "uplift" the spirit of the under-fire Somali leader.

The meeting took at least two hours, according to sources, who didn't win to be acknowledged due to the sensitivity of the matter. The meeting came just a fortnight after representatives from FMS and FGS failed to agree on the terms of engagement.

Two issues popped up during the discussion, according to multiple reports, which include the venue for upcoming dialogue and the exact date. This had been borne of contention between the technical committee, which had failed to agree before.

Also, the federal states' leaders are said to have proposed postponement of debates involving bills about national elections until both teams meet for constructive dialogue. The electoral bill was assented to into law in January, despite protests from FMS and opposition.

But even though the two sides are ready for dialogue, parliament has already debated and passed the proposed 30 percent quota for women representation, during Sunday's debate in the Lower House. The bill was among those that are supposed to be scrutinized before the upcoming polls.

The Lower House is also set to debate on the preferred electoral model, which has divided both parties. It's not clear if parliament will halt discussion of the proposal, which would see the content hold universal suffrage elections, following Monday's meeting.

According to sources, the federal states are of the opinion that all issues pertaining to the electoral process should be discussed when both parties meet for face to face dialogue, whose date and venue will be decided by the presidency.

The US and European Union have been keen to have FGS and FMS leaders meet before elections. Later this month, the National Independent Electoral Commission [NIEC] is set to give specific guidelines for the polls, including the tentative time table.

In a tweet later on Monday, the United Nations Mission in Somalia [UNSOM], confirmed the virtual meeting between Farmajo and federal leaders, adding that it's an important step towards organizing a constructive dialogue between the two parties.

"UN in Somalia welcomes today's virtual meeting of Federal Govt. and Federal Member State leaders - we commend Pres. Farmajo and FMS leaders for this important step in regular dialogue among Somali stakeholders on national priorities: elections, security, and debt relief," read the tweet.

Somalia constitutes of five federal states - Jubaland, Puntland, Southwest, Galmadug, and HirShabelle. Banadir region which hosts Mogadishu is not part of the federal states and operates under a mayor while Somaliland claims unilateral independence from the larger Somalia in 1991.

GAROWE ONLINE