Somalia: Inter-State Council Conference kicks off in Garowe

GAROWE, Puntland - The fourth forum of the council of Inter-State Cooperation [CIC] has officially kicked off on Sunday in Garowe, the capital of Puntland of Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

The CIC conference which brings together the leaders of Puntland, Galmudug, Southwest, and Jubbaland is set to focus on the interests of the regional states, current political deadlock, 2020 election, and security.

This is the first time that Garowe is hosting the regional bloc's meeting since its inception in 2017 in the southern port city of Kismayo, which serves as the interim administrative capital of Jubbaland.

Last month, Leaders of five Somali regional states have resolved to suspend relations with the central government, citing a lack of political and security progress in the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.

The CIC criticized the central government for failing in the fight against al-Shabab, saying there was no proper coordination between the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and national army.

HirShabelle leader, Mohamed Abdi Waare abandoned his counterparts in the Inter-state council and reached an abrupt deal with Villa Somalia, saying he changed his mind for the sake of his region's interest.

As the political deadlock in the country continuing to spin out of control and with no end in sight, the Senate which playing a mediating role between the two sides said the Federal Government of Somalia is dragging its feet in talks with CIC.

There was no immediate response from the Western-backed Somali Federal government to the statement by the Upper House Chamber of the Parliament.

GAROWE ONLINE