Inside Somali political leaders' NCC meeting in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the first time in as many months, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened the National Conservative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, bringing together the top leadership of the country, in the meddling of unending security challenges and threats against the country's sovereignty.

The meeting, which kicks off officially today (Thursday), comes at the time Somalia is facing threats from Ethiopia over access to the Red Sea, necessitating a defense pact with Egypt which has significantly impacted relationships in the Horn of Africa.

Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe (Jubaland), Ali Gudlawe (Hirshabelle), Abdiaziz Laftagareen (Southwest), Ahmed Kaliye Qoorqoor (Galmudug), Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Jimale and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre all joined Hassan Sheikh in the meeting.

Notably absent was Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland, who cut off the relationship with the federal government over the implementation of the democratization process without consultation. Last week, he had hinted at a truce with Mogadishu.

Sources privy to the meeting told Garowe Online that it would emphasize the security in the country, particularly efforts to combat Al-Shabaab militants, who pose significant threats to the stability of the country.

Further, there shall be a robust discussion on the democratization process in the country. The leadership is set to discuss proposals on the model of elections, with Hassan Sheikh's administration favoring universal suffrage as opposed to the clan-based approach.

“The meeting focuses on accelerating the fight against Al-Shabab, advancing the democratization process, and ensuring the implementation of prior agreements from the National Consultative Council,” an official statement from the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace stated.

Adding, “There will also be discussions on state-building, federal-state cooperation, and ensuring peace and development in the country. Cooperation between the government and the member states is important.”

Somalia waged a war against al-Shabaab and for the last two years, momentous progress has been made, including liberation of strategic towns. The government is also targeting Al-Shabaab revenue sources and has since closed down several bank accounts and mobile money transfer firms.

However, the milestone made could be affected by the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops, whose withdrawal is due in January. Consequently, the leadership shall deliberate on the mandate of the new mission dubbed the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The leaders will also deliberate on ways of strengthening cooperation between the Federal Government and the Member States to promote peace and sustainable development across the nation. The relationship has remained fluid and tense.

Apart from Puntland, Hassan Sheikh has also struggled to embrace Abdiaziz Laftagareen, who accuses him of interfering with Southwest's internal issues. Laftagareen had declined to meet the president before changing his mind.

GAROWE ONLINE