Somalia's opposition candidates demand inclusivity in election talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A group of candidates in Somalia is now calling for inclusivity in the ongoing pre-election dialogue in Dhusamareeb, the capital of Galmadug, where President Farmajo and PM Roble are all attending.

Over the weekend, President Farmajo summoned all the Federal Member States leaders to the town for talks over elections, which will also feature Mogadishu Mayor who doubles as the Banadir governor Omar Filish.

Already, Roble has arrived in the town for the meeting and was shortly followed by Farmajo. Later on Monday evening, Farmajo held closed-door talks with three regional presidents at Galmudug presidential palace ahead of the FGS-FMS forum.

But the omission of opposition leaders has caused jitters among the top leadership of the country, including Speaker Abdi Hashi, who oversees proceedings at the Senate. Hashi comes from Somaliland, a region that has claiming autonomy since 1991.

Hashi notified Abdi Kariye that he will attend the Dhusamareeb talks without invitation "since the dispute over the election procedure for Somaliland MPs is on agenda for talks". There was a standoff on the composition of an electoral committee from the region.

Later, the union of presidential candidates also demanded representation at the Dhusamareeb talks. In a statement, the candidates reiterated they won’t accept term extension for Farmaajo; urged him to use the remaining week of his term to “find solutions” for the country’s political problems.

Farmajo's term officially ends on Feb 8 when the country is expected to hold presidential elections but to date, polls for MPs are yet to be held. The Dhusamareeb talks come amid growing pressure from the international community which is calling for timely elections.

GAROWE ONLINE