Somalia: Puntland And Jubbaland Divided Over President Hassan Sheikh’s National Consultation Call

The President of the Federal government of Somalia recently extended an invitation for a political gathering, though his office did not provide details on how it would be organized, who would participate, or when it would take place.

The president referred to the attendees as “politicians and community leaders” who would contribute to the fight against Al-Shabaab and the development of a modern state.

This invitation received widespread support from several politicians who have been critical of the president’s leadership style.

However, while some expressed cautious optimism and said they would wait to see how the initiative would be managed, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and former NISA director Fahad Yasin Haji Dahir fully endorsed the president’s call without any preconditions.

Jubbaland’s President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), speaking to the public in Kismayo during Eid prayers, expressed his support for the initiative put forward by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

President Madobe underscored the importance of the initiative, describing it as an essential opportunity to unite the country in its battle against Al-Shabaab.

Madobe emphasized that Somalia’s primary focus must be the defeat of Al-Shabaab, urging political factions to set aside their internal disputes and concentrate on this shared goal.

However, Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni has not officially responded. Instead, Puntland’s Minister of Information stated that the administration is not prepared to participate, citing the region’s ongoing security concerns and conflict.

It remains uncertain whether these positions will change in the coming days, as both leaders are believed to be among the most politically pressured figures in their dealings with the Federal Government of Somalia since the adoption of the federal system.

Mustaqbal