SW tightens security ahead of Somalia election talks
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- Posted On 19-06-2016, 01:11AM
BAIDOA, Somalia-Southwest State Administration has tightened security ahead of critical electoral talks in Baidoa, Garowe Online reports.
Key avenues, soft structures and areas near conference venue have been brought under security blanket for possible terror attacks.
Somali parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman (Jawari) has become the most senior politician to land in Baidoa, two days before the key talks kick off on Saturday.
Southwest State officials welcomed the speaker and entourage of MPs who are accompanying him on his visit to Baidoa.
Jawari told reporters that he is happy to be in Baidoa for the leadership forum slated for Monday.
Somali political leaders agreed to convene once more despite differences regarding technical preparations and the status of the capital.
The East African country gears up for transition expected to be kick-started by August this year. Incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking second term in office under a model, UN envoycalled “a midway point between the election of 2012, when only 135 electors selected 275 Members of Parliament and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say.”
Somalia held first-ever presidential election on its own since the state collapse, in September 2012.
GAROWEONLINE
