Somalia: Puntland President meets Ethiopian officials before heading to Mogadishu

GAROWE, Puntland- The President of semi-autonomous region of Puntland state, Abdiwali  Mohamed Ali “Gaas” has traveled to the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday ahead of the presidential polling, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland’s State House didn’t release a statement regarding the purpose of the visit, but close sources tell GO that President Ali is aiming to closely monitor the upcoming election and support the ongoing campaign of an ally candidate.

There are about 8 presidential aspirants hailing from Puntland region and so far it’s not confirmed whose President Ali is supporting for the country’s top job.

Ministers, state parliamentarians and other officials from Puntland state have already arrived to Mogadishu weeks ahead of President Ali’s arrival on Sunday, and were reported of supporting different candidates in the upcoming election on Wednesday.

President Ali who recently concluded visit to the eastern parts of Puntland, have departed off the region to Mogadishu amid worsening drought condition and security deterioration due to to failed policies of Puntland government in the past 3 years.

Before his departure to Mogadishu today, presidency sources said that President Ali has held meeting with officials from Ethiopia in Garowe city, however, the outcome of the meeting weren’t revealed but the source indicated that the meeting focused on the upcoming Somali election.

It’s noteworthy, that Ethiopia is seeking the re-election of caretaker President Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud for a second term, and it is believed those officials are aiming to convince Ali to support Mahmoud’s campaign.

President Ali has previously endorsed the caretaker Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmrke’s campaign following the conclusion of the parliamentary election in Garowe in December.It is unclear if President Ali has shifted his support ahead of the ballot, and if he endorsed Moahmoud’s campaign, then it is expected he will attempt to mediate talks between Sharmake and Mahmoud who are the main rivals in the presidential election.

Other sources revealed that some Puntland officials and closed allies have advised President Ali to avoid endorsing candidates in the upcoming election but their appeal was refused by Ali.

Earlier, regional leaders of Jubaland and Southwest were reported to have traveled to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia for meeting with government officials who keeping pressure on regional leaders to back the presidential campaign of caretaker Mohamoud.

Pundits said Ethiopia is pushing efforts to ensure Mohamoud winning the election, who is believed of fulfilling their interest in the past 4 years.

This comes amid calls from opposition presidential candidates to bring to an end to the influence of neighboring counties in the internal affairs of Somalia.

International community has expressed concerns to the manipulation of the Somali election and called Somali leaders to ensure fair and credible election, whereas regional leaders are seeking to influence the process to elect ally for the presidency.  

GAROWEONLINE