Election talks in Somalia between FGS and FMS aborted due to rift

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The much anticipated pre-election talks between the federal government of Somalia and the federal states collapsed, Garowe Online has learned, in the latest twist that further showcases a deeply rooted political crisis that could plunge the country into chaos.

Today [Tuesday], FGS and FMS leaders were expected to hold a meeting at the Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu, which would have been brokered by the international community, which has been pushing for reconciliation in the Horn of Africa nation.

Sources said the Tuesday meeting has since flopped contrary to expectations that it was to take place, with some other sources noting that the talks have failed, something which would further injure reconciliation efforts in Somalia.

Over the weekend, there were indications that the political crisis would be amicably solved after the FMS leaders met and discussed substantive issues. Jubaland and Puntland have often lamented that Mogadishu is not ready to solve the electoral crisis.

Sources close to the federal state's leadership on Tuesday told Garowe Online that President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is reluctant to accept some of the pre-conditions set for him to attend the conference, as prescribed by the organizers.

Earlier in the day, the organizers were putting their heads together, whether to allow President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to attend as a presidential candidate or as president of the country. His term expired on Feb 8 this year.

“Pleased to be invited with other international partners to meet the five FMS leaders. We welcome collective FMS efforts to find a compromise so FGS-FMS summit can proceed and put Somalia on course for elections based on 17 Sept. model," UN envoy James Swan said, Monday.

This story is developing, Garowe Online will keep you updated.

GAROWE ONLINE