Puntland to host forum to end political differences in Somalia

GAROWE, Puntland – The government of Puntland said Sunday it will host a reconciliation conference between the Federal government and its member states in Garowe next month, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement, the state presidency has announced that the upcoming meeting which is slated for May 2 will bring the two sides in the negotiation table to iron out their long-running political differences.

“The summit will seek the best way that the two sides can work together on the most urgent problems, including the dispute over the constitution review,” said Puntland president Said Abdullahi Deni.

The new approach expected to be different from the “National Security Council” that failed to Produce pact on the national issues, mainly the security, resource sharing, electoral process, and the constitutional review process.

Last March, the Federal Government, and regional states did not succeed to convene such a meeting proposed by Somali president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo during the inauguration of Puntland leader last January.

Also, a consultative meeting of Somali leaders planned to open in Mogadishu delayed once again on April 19, with less than 18 months remaining until parliamentary elections in the country.

In September 2018, the leaders of five Somali regional states resolved to suspend relations with the central government, citing a lack of political and security progress in the Horn of Africa nation.

The states, Jubaland, Puntland, Southwest, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle blamed Mogadishu for interfering with regional issues, failure to implement security architecture and not fulfilling political agreements.

Analysts say the resolutions are the latest political setback by the central government which is trying to partner with the international community to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation. 

GAROWE ONLINE