Somalia: President Holds Talks with Former Opposition Members Amid Political Tensions

MOGADISHU, Oct 21 - Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a closed-door meeting at Villa Somalia with senior figures who recently departed from the Somali National Salvation Council, sources said.

The group included former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, former Parliament Speaker Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, and Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, the former president of SouthWest State.

The meeting occurred amid rising political tensions in Mogadishu, where reports emerged that the SouthWest State president, Abdulaiz Lafta-Gareen, has faced restrictions in the capital as disputes over his region's political situation intensify.

Insiders said the former council members and President Hassan Sheikh reached a private agreement, reportedly focused on presidential support for Sharif Hassan’s bid for the South West State presidency.

The insiders say the talks aim to address the political dynamics in South West State and their potential impact on upcoming federal member state elections.

GAROWE ONLINE