Former president: It's now or never, please save Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the ongoing pre-election talks in Mogadishu may rescue Somalia from sinking if only the participants put the country's future ahead instead of chasing short-term political goals and expediency.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, five federal states leaders including Said Abdullahi Deni, Ahmed Madobe, Lafta-Gareen, Ali Gudlawe and Ahmed Karie along with Banadir Governor Omar Filish are currently meeting in Mogadishu to iron out the difference.

Already, the process has been backed by opposition leaders including former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who insist that Roble has goodwill for the process than President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

In a statement, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the country has the opportunity to fix the debacle to avoid a situation where many institutions will break down leading to a major political and economic crisis in the Horn of Africa nation.

"The real danger is not expiry of the mandate of federal institutions, there are also sharp divisions in the legislature, the executive is paralyzed and also, the security forces are split. There is also a danger in the unity of the nation since the federal institutions are the link between FGS and FMS," he said.

His statement comes weeks after members of the military engaged in a fierce fight within the country, with those leaning towards the opposition managing to seize several parts of Mogadishu. They have since returned to the barracks.

For Mohamud, who was the eighth president of Somalia, the gains made including successful negotiation of the debt relief and good rapport with the International Community could be eroded if an amicable solution of not reached.

"There is a serious concern that debt relief target that was on eight years may collapse which will result to negative consequences that may be detrimental considering the current poor state of the economy. Our relationship with International Community may also be in paralysis," he noted.

"Our nation’s past political history is a true testimony that all dialogue based on good faith will result in a positive outcome that will be rejoiced by our people. We urge the political actors, the public, and Somalia’s int. partners to play a role in ensuring the talks succeed."

On Sunday, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said the progress of the talks was "encouraging" adding that most issues including the agendas of the meeting had been agreed upon. He didn't give finer details on the progress of the talks.

Farmajo is under immense pressure to allow the country to go to elections, but he has often accused the opposition of delaying the polls. Somalia is trying to repair internal democracy which has lagged behind for almost three decades.

GAROWE ONLINE