Somalia PM visits Jubaland, discussing strained ties

KISMAYO, Somalia, August 30, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has arrived in the southern port city of Kismayo on one day visit on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Vice President Abdulkadir Haji Mohamud (Lugadere) and Interior Minister Gen. Mohamed Warsame (Darwish) have welcomed Sharmarke’s delegation at Kismayo international airport.

Somalia Prime Minister was being accompanied by Interior Minister Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein and Attorney General Ahmed Ali Dahir on his trip to Jubaland.

Bilateral talks between the two sides focused on the ways of restoring the strained ties and disputes over the legitimacy of Jubaland parliament.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Sharmarke, Jubaland President said that they stressed the need to move forward and the formation of joint committees in light of the prevailing political rift.

“We agreed to resolve the complaints and we named committees that will discuss solutions to [disputes],” Madobe told reporters.

Prime Minister Sharmarke who returned to Mogadishu wished that both Puntland and Jubaland will play a pivotal role in Somalia’s political transition ahead of 2016 elections.

On June 6, Somali Members of Parliament voted in favor of a controversial motion in a session marred by delays and lack of quorum.

Jubaland Vice president Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismael (Fartag) reacted with the suspension of cooperation with UN-backed national government on the same day. 

GAROWE ONLINE