Somalia president postpones talks with Federal States' leaders amid fallout

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has delayed the much anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting after Puntland questioned his ideals, including changing the constitution without a collaborative approach.

Hassan Sheikh initiated monumental changes in the country's governance structure but there have been questions about the collective approach, with several stakeholders accusing him of 'one-man show' syndrome while challenging the outcome.

Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre announced the cancellation of the meeting on Friday, hours just before the kick-off, an indication that the revolt by a section of leaders could be as well get attention from the top leadership in the federal government.

A statement from the PM office indicates that the meeting, which was scheduled for April 20th and 21st, was postponed due to "technical reasons." Garowe Online previously reported that some regional leaders excused themselves from attending, citing disagreements with Villa Somalia over the agenda and expected outcomes.

Earlier this week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud summoned the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which brings together regional state leaders, the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Mogadishu Yusuf Madale and the president himself.

“The meeting will discuss matters about the destiny of the country including fighting terrorism and completion of the constitution,” the invitation said, about resistance to constitutional changes.

Puntland announced divorcing federalism citing frustrations from Mogadishu. Members of the international community have called for consensus among the players, although some chapters, including universal suffrage polls, have since been approved.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintained that the country would push for constitutional reforms that would promote democratisation but the sliding of Puntland may make it difficult given that consultations were not adequate before the changes were effected.

GAROWE ONLINE