Somalia: Jubaland President in Puntland amid strained ties with Federal Govt

GAROWE, Somalia, July 11, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Jubaland administration Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has arrived to warm welcome in Puntland amid a host of concerns on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Vice President Abihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, traditional leaders and flag-waving crowds welcomed Madobe’s delegation at Garowe airport.

Speaking at a joint press conference at Puntland State House, Puntland President pointed out that the visit by Jubaland leader aims to strengthen the relations between Puntland and Jubaland: “A lot unites Puntland and Jubaland, it is also important for Federal Member States to discuss the consolidation of peace-building efforts, prevailing issues of mutual concern, and the direction in which Somalia is heading,” said Ali.

Jubaland leader expressed delight with the warm welcome and hailed Puntland’s role in the country’s federalization process as momentous.

“The visit is to share my views on Somalia situation as has been the case. We need to exchange deliberations without irritating any other side,” Jubaland leader unveiled during the news conference.

Moreover, he praised Puntland government for standing by Somalia in unity.

The trip comes as rift widens between Mogadishu-based federal government and Puntland over Galmudug. Meanwhile, Jubaland’s ties with the federal government have been remaining suspended since June 6.

Federal members of Parliament voted in favor of no-confidence motion against Jubba regional assembly in session marred by delays and lack of quorum in advance in early June. 

GAROWE ONLINE