Somalia’s election talks enter a critical phase

The main agenda that dominated the meeting is the electoral transparency that prompted the convening of the National Consultative Council summit after the opposition has threatened to boycott election results.

News Keydmedia Online
7 January 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Talks between Somali PM Mohamed Hussein Roble and leaders of the Federal States entered its fourth day hit snags on Thursday after the security became subject of the dispute.

The meeting chaired by the PM is facing challenges and deadlock over the continued stay of Farmajo in power, which poses a potent impediment to the electoral process as some leaders call for his removal.

The main agenda that dominated the meeting is the electoral transparency that prompted the convening of the National Consultative Council summit after the opposition has threatened to boycott election results.

Jubaland and Puntland leaders Ahmed Madobe and Said Deni respectively are at forefront of the efforts led by PM Roble to ensure all security agencies and the military bring under the control of the cabinet.

The international community welcomed the in-person dialogue and urged the leaders to expedite the electoral process and improve its credibility as well as ensure clear timelines for the rapid completion.

Somalia has failed to hold a timely, inclusive, and transparent election last year to pick Farmajo’s successor after the country plunged into a cycle of political disputes that created uncertainty and coup attempts.

The office of the PM announced the ongoing meeting will be concluded on Saturday but it’s not clear if the leaders will reach a comprehensive agreement on the contentious electoral and security issues.

KEYDMEDIA English