Somalia: Puntland snubs meeting with Galmudug leader

KISMAYO, Somalia, January 13, 2016 (Garowe Online)-Puntland delegation led by President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has rebuffed to open pre-scheduled talks with Galmudug’s Abdikarin Hussein Gulled in the southern port city of Kismayo, Garowe Online has learned.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland and Puntland leaders previously agreed to gather for further discussions on Galkayo vendetta, something that has now caught Puntland delegation off guard.

Over a week ago, Jubaland President traveled to central Adado town where he was giving more impetus into roundtables that might have been held in advance of much delayed National Consultative Forum.

Galmudug President Gulled has reportedly presented some moot points including possible quotas in key revenues sources to his interlocutors.

Meanwhile, Puntland and Jubaland leaders have expressed uneasiness on the postponement of National Consultative Forum by three days, casting doubt on Villa Somalia blueprint ahead of 2016 elections.

“Somalia President wants to set up a new functionary administration when it comes to contentious 4.5 quota, so that he can abet [Hiran and Middle Shabelle admin] against anti-4.5 forces,” a delegation member in Kismayo told Garowe Online.

Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister has also rescinded a decision to attend Kismayo forum due to mounting political differences with Mogadishu according to diplomatic sources.

UN-backed national government is said to have been irritated by alleged support by neighboring Ethiopia for paramilitary Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea in central Somalia.

Ahlu Sunna and Galmudug whose leader Gulled is touted as President Mohamud’s right hand man clashed in deadly battles earlier in late 2015.

GAROWE ONLINE