Somalia President, clan elders in fresh squabble over convention

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia, March 26, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Galgadud regional capital of Dhusamareb for the third day for a regional convention on the formation of federal state, Garowe Online reports.

Independent sources tell GO that President Mohamud has locked horns with clan elders over the central town that would host the regional convention, further currying the fate of a federal state consisting of South Mudug and Galgadud.

“President Hassan wants that the second phase of reconciliation conference be held in Adado in favor of Himan and Heeb local administration,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

By Tuesday, Mohamud arrived to warm welcome in Dhusamareb, and praised traditional leaders and politicians for their role in the state formation process.

Earlier on Monday, a group of clan elders shifted away the gathering from Adado in a move backed by the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea.

Analysts warn of the lengthy duration that it would take federal state stakeholders to reach communal consensus on the standing differences.

Ahlu Sunna in early March clinched peace deal with the UN-backed weak central government in Mogadishu. 

GAROWE ONLINE