Ex-Somali PM Khaire in Russia amid pre-election stalemate

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Former PM Hassan Ali Khaire visited Russia and held a top-level meeting in Moscow, which could raise serious diplomatic issues give the current political quagmire in the Horn of Africa nation, whose elections are yet to kick-off due to internal political wrangles.

Khaire, who has since announced a presidential bid, held a closed-door meeting with Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov on Dec 11, but it remains unclear if the Government of Somalia was aware of such a meeting. Khaire was kicked out by MPs in July after falling out with Farmajo.

In a tweet, Khaire confirmed his meeting which was first announced by Russia's Foreign Affairs department, adding that he discussed bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Mogadishu and Moscow, but he did not give specifics on the deliberations.

Also, he added, the meeting also featured the current social-economic and political situation in the Horn of Africa region. Besides trade, the region is currently experiencing political turmoil, with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan all affected.

"I had luncheon with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov and we discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperations between Somalia and Russia and the general situation within the Horn of Africa. We also discussed the social-economic and political situation in the region," he said.

Lavrov confirmed Russia's support for the efforts of Somalia to form democratic institutions of power in the country. Moscow also called for dialogue among the Somali political leaders in order to promote security and stability.

Khaira shared his assessments and thoughts on the development of social and political processes in Somalia in light of the parliamentary elections. S.V. Lavrov confirmed the constant support of Russia to the efforts of Somalis to form democratic institutions of power in the country.

The meeting also comes days after the US Department of Defense expressed interest to withdraw close to 700 troops from Somalia, something which analysts say would derail the fight against Al-Shabaab. The US has been a key security and development partner of Somalia over years.

Recently, Russia is increasingly showing interest in Africa, with the Horn of Africa and South Africa being her major targets. After setting up a military base in Mozambique, Moscow is keen to have a similar base at the Horn of Africa which will rival the US and China's bases in Djibouti.

The opposition team accuses Farmajo of implanting NISA agents and civil servants along with his loyalists in the Electoral Committee, this demands for its disbandment.

The international community led by the United Nations and the European Union have increasingly called for dialogue but it's quite unlikely that the quagmire will be solved. Farmajo insists that his government is keen to conduct a free and fair election, despite resistance from the opposition.

GAROWE ONLINE