Deepening Political Rift: Somalia’s NCC Talks End Without Jubaland, Puntland Participation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A section of leaders concluded the National Consultative Council (NCC) without the involvement of Jubaland and Puntland states, highlighting deep divisions within Somalia’s leadership and potential fallout ahead of the next elections.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose leadership has been accused of divisions within the country, led the leadership during the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and the leadership of Hirshabelle (Ali Gudlawe), Galmudug (Ahmed Kaliye), and Southwest (Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen).

Among the issues discussed by the leadership were supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants and armed groups. There is a need for closer collaboration in the fight against the group between the federal government and member states, the communique read.

The SNA has been working closely with the international partners in the fight against the group, leading to massive gains on the frontlines. The al-Shabaab fighters have also made some gains, recently running over a Somali military camp within Adan Yabaal.

Also discussed is the controversial electoral process, with the leaders agreeing to intensify voter registration, which was recently launched in Mogadishu. The registration, they said, shall spiral to federal states.

The National Independent Electoral Commission was tasked with scaling operations, while regional authorities were urged to ensure smooth local coordination. It is this thorny electoral process that forced Jubaland and Puntland to boycott the sitting.

Further, the leadership recognised the SSC-Khatumo region as a federal state, a few weeks after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre made the declaration during his inaugural trip. The leaders agreed to fast-track the process of recognition.

“The recognition of SSC-Khaatumo signals a broader commitment to inclusive governance and political reconciliation,” said a senior Somali official. “It sends a clear message that no region will be left behind in the federal journey.”

The interior ministry was tasked with resolving the impasse between Jubaland and Puntland and the federal government. They said the constitutional reforms standoff had hindered the coordination of government activities at the local level.

GAROWE ONLINE