Puntland and Jubaland set conditions for talks with Farmajo

The controversy escalated after Farmajo whose term expired on February 8 walked out of the latest Dhusamareb meeting early this month, just two days before the end of his messy 4-year mandate.

News Keydmedia Online
20 February 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland and Jubaland leaders Said Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Madobe respectively announced preconditions for talks on ending the impasse over the poll process in Somalia.

Deni and Madobe, who maintain a close relationship said on Friday that the meeting called by Farmajo in Mogadishu is only possible with the regional states if Villa Somalia accepts to invite foreign diplomats.

They want the international community to be present at the planned talks between the outgoing government and the Federal state as a grantor of the agreement on the election to avoid further violation.

The controversy escalated after Farmajo whose term expired on February 8 walked out of the latest Dhusamareb meeting early this month, just two days before the end of his messy 4-year mandate.

The regional leaders and Farmajo were due to open talks in Mogadishu on 18th and 19th February in the capital but failed after Puntland and Jubaland proposed the venue to be moved to the Halane compound.

The two allied states also suggested to broader the dialogue and allow all stakeholders, including opposition candidates, civil society, and foreign diplomats be part of the final election negotiations.  

On the eve of the opening of the meeting, Farmajo attacked former presidents at Ma'ida Hotel in Mogadishu with the national army to prevent the opposition from holding an anti-government rally in the city.

Mogadishu has been hit by clashes on Friday between opposition loyalists and government forces during a peaceful protest to demand free and fair elections as the country in a state of constitutional vacuum.

KON English News Desk