Puntland president meets diplomats in Nairobi as Somalia political talks loom

NAIROBI, Kenya — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni held talks in Nairobi with representatives of the international community to discuss Somalia’s political situation, his office said.

Deni, accompanied by members of his cabinet, met with diplomats from the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, according to officials.

Separately, international representatives based in Nairobi are expected to hold meetings with leaders of Jubbaland and opposition figures grouped under the Somali Future Council, as the federal government in Mogadishu has announced plans to convene dialogue talks.

Some opposition politicians have criticized the government’s call for talks, arguing it does not genuinely aim to bridge political differences. They say only the country’s president has the authority to convene a truly national dialogue.

GAROWE ONLINE