Somalia: Himilo Qaran Party Urges Urgent Solution to Puntland’s Absence from National Consultative Council Meetings.

Mogadishu, Somalia – May 19, 2024; The Himilo Qaran Party, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has called for an urgent resolution to the absence of Puntland from the National Consultative Council meetings. This call comes following a recent meeting in Mogadishu that included heads of the central government and regional administrations, excluding Puntland.

In a press release, the party emphasized the importance of addressing Puntland’s non-participation in these crucial discussions. “The principle of the National Consultative Council is consensus. We know that several meetings have been held without Puntland’s presence. Therefore, there must be an urgent solution to the National Consultative Council disconnection,” stated the Himilo Qaran Party.

The party also highlighted the need for the Council to prioritize global climate issues affecting the Horn of Africa. “Since the climate of the world has changed, especially in the Horn of Africa, they have to determine the most appropriate way to deal with floods and frequent rains, and the best way to rescue the people who have been damaged by the rain,” the statement read.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is also a member of the Somali Parliament, suggested that the National Consultative Council should focus on creating effective strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change in the region. He stressed the importance of providing assistance to those affected by extreme weather conditions and called for international support in these efforts.

Additionally, the Himilo Qaran Party underscored the significance of resolving disputes related to the completion of the Constitution. They urged the Council to incorporate these concerns into the broader plan of the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

The party’s press release arrives just days after the conclusion of the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu. The meeting, which issued a press release outlining key points of discussion, did not fully address the concerns raised by the Himilo Qaran Party regarding Puntland’s absence and climate change priorities.

The call from the Himilo Qaran Party adds to the growing pressure on the National Consultative Council to ensure inclusive and comprehensive participation from all regional administrations, particularly Puntland, to foster unity and address pressing national issues effectively.

Mustaqbal