Somalia: Ahmed Madobe to Visit Garowe for Talks With Puntland President Amid Election Dispute

GAROWE, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, is expected to travel to Garowe on Sunday for talks with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni amid a deepening political dispute over Somalia's electoral process.

Madobe's planned visit comes after the postponement of a meeting called by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which had been scheduled to begin in Mogadishu on November 14.

The two leaders are expected to discuss Somalia's political situation, disagreements over the country's electoral arrangements and efforts to reach a negotiated framework for future elections, according to sources familiar with the planned visit.

The meeting comes as tensions continue between the federal government, whose constitutional mandate is disputed by opposition figures, and several regional administrations and opposition politicians over the electoral process and the country's political direction.

Puntland and Jubaland have been among the most vocal critics of the federal government's approach to elections, with the dispute raising concerns over the prospects for political consensus as Somalia approaches another electoral cycle.

Madobe's visit to Garowe is also expected to provide an opportunity for consultations following the delay of the Mogadishu meeting, which was intended to bring together federal government representatives and political stakeholders.

No new date has been announced for the postponed Mogadishu talks amid opposition boycot.

GAROWE ONLINE