Somalia: Galmudug leaders arrive in Mogadishu ahead of talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A high-level delegation from Galmudug state are arriving to the Somali capital Mogadishu on Monday ahead of talks brokered by the Federal government, Garowe Online reports.

The delegation comprising of Galmudug vice President Mohamed Hashi Arabey and Speaker of the region's assembly Ali Ga'al Asir are set to attend the talks due to open in the capital on Wednesday.

Leaders from Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a are also expected to reach Mogadishu on Tuesday.

Federal government of Somalia is putting pressure on Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna to end their standoff through dialogue before the vote for the new President of the regional administration on April 30.

Sources at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu revealed to GO that Agky Suna will sign a power-share deal with Galmudug, and cede its position to join hands in the formation of the new administration.

The upcoming talks come after Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo met with Ahlu Sunna leader Sheikh Mohamed Shakir in Mogadishu on the eve of his inauguration in Mogadishu in February.

On Saturday, Somalia's new Interior Minister Abdi Farh Juha and Galmudug leaders agreed to postpone the election to 30th April following meeting in Adado town.

Ahlu Suna walked out of the Galmudug state formation conference in 2014 over what it termed as non- inclusive creating a rift between the moderate Islamist group and the former administration led by Abdikarim Guled.

The group controls large swathes of territory in central Somalia, including the designated capital Dhusaamareb town of Galmudug region.

GAROWEONLINE