Somalia’s political leaders in Mogadishu for key forum

MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 19, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s leadership is hosting federal member states leaders in Mogadishu as differences loom large over format for transition in 2016, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland, Jubaland, Southwest state and Galmudug Presidents landed in their respective planes at Adan Adde International Airport where they have been received by flag-waving crowds on Saturday.

International Community members and Civil Society representatives will be attending the forum on 2016 electoral process on Sunday.

President Mohamud has hosted regional leaders and donor community representatives for luncheon at the heavily fortified compound, Villa Somalia.

“Participants of the conference acceded to letting Somali communities abroad and in the country participate in consultative forum- such as; women, youth, clan elders and media professionals to make the process Somali-owned while international community will play facilitating role,” Information Minister, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye) told journalists afterwards.  

Sources close to the upcoming meeting say, pressure mounted on Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali whose clout at federal level sees wane.

Before departing at Abdullahi Yusuf International airport in Galkayo, Ali once again reiterated that Puntland won’t bow to Mogadishu interests.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that his government can’t lead the country towards ‘one person, one vote’ elections when his term in office expires in late July.

Several political scientists and think-tanks hinted at more legitimate process than the one that brought the current administration to power in September 2012.

During the inauguration of Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Somali leaders agreed to meet on possible blueprint on September 20.

GAROWE ONLINE