Puntland President postpones trip to Mogadishu

BOSASO: Following failed talks in the southern port city of Kismayo, Puntland President has cancelled a trip to Mogadishu on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

President Ali postponed his visit to unspecified date due to technical issues facing the due date of the much anticipated political forum.

Puntland President’s delegation had waited for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s arrival for up to four days earlier this month.

Jubaland is seeking to again host Somali political leaders for the critical forum, however international pressure is more likely to shift the venue of gathering to Mogadishu.

Mogadishu talks will focus on model for the selection of new lawmakers as deadline for the current benchmark is drawing closer.

Kismayo talks previously hit a brick wall over which model Somalia should adopt for the country’s troubled transition when the mandate of current government comes to an end.

The diplomatic push is coming on the heels of deadly attack by Al Shabaab on two Liido beach restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Puntland leader meets clan elders on grievances

Meanwhile in Bossaso, Puntland leader met Bari clan elders over local grievances according to presidency sources.

The discussions mainly centred around complaints on how government managed lucrative contracts in the state’s most populous city, Bossaso.

Ali listened to points sewn up by clan elders, requesting for another meeting after his return from political talks in Mogadishu.

Traditional leaders in Bari want that regional power corridors be reviewed in hopes of enhanced representation of local clans.

The meeting had before now stumbled on composition of delegation set to raise the matter with Ali.

GAROWEONLINE