Inside Farmajo's agreement with opposition chiefs at Villa Somalia

MOGADISHU- Strained relationship between President Mohamed Farmajo and opposition factions antagonistic to his leadership may have been partly solved on Wednesday after a lengthy meeting at Villa Somalia.

But the outcome will only be established through deeds, if at all both parties that held discussions after months of standoff, are genuine.

Former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed details of the meeting with Farmaajo, which comes amid heightened political tensions in Mogadishu.

In a press conference, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the FGS leader apologized for 'travel ban' imposed on opposition chiefs. 

"He regretted the incidents and promised to rectify such approach in future," Hassan said in reference to controversial trips to Beledweyne and Kismayo in which the former leaders were temporarily blocked.

The Somalia leader, Hassan said, objected any terms extension and promised to ensure that 2020/21 polls are held in time in accordance to the law.

Also discussed extensively is adherence to the constitution and protection of citizen rights. In recent weeks, there have been cases of gross violation of human rights in Somalia.

"As leaders, we agreed to ensure elections are held in time. No term extensions since it can contribute to instability. Protection of the rights of people and the Constitution was also agreed on," he added.

This is the first time opposition chiefs, who have since formed Forum for National Parties (FNP), were meeting the president after months of verbal onslaught.

Depoliticizing security forces featured in the talks, following allegations of bias within the police and Somali National Intelegency Security agency 'NISA', Hassan said.

According to him, the meeting resolved that all security forces execute their roles professionally without partiality and prejudices.

"All our security forces will have to work professionally. Nobody should be victimised because of his or her political persuasions," the opposition chiefs said.

The fight against Al-Shabaab was also discussed. Both leaders agreed to collectively work towards helping multi-agency teams degrade the Al-Qaida associates in Somalia.

Villa Somalia has remained mum over the meeting despite the fact that it was organised by the president himself with an aim of forging a working formula with his opponents.

Qatar is said to have piled pressure on the two sides to meet. A senior envoy whose name is yet to be established, is believed to have visited Somalia last week to broker peace deal between the two groups.

For months, FNP has been accusing FGS of violation of human rights, limitations on freedom of speech, police brutality and illegal travel restrictions on leaders.

The Federal Goverment has also been at loggerheads with regional leadership, a move which UN Panel of Experts warned that would give room for more Al-Shabaab infiltration.

United Nations is keen to have peaceful transition in Mogadishu, with politicians now making realignments ahead of the much anticipated polls.

GAROWE ONLINE