Somalia: Hirshabelle leader boycotts FGS-FMS talks in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's bid to hold elections in line with the May 2021 agreement suffered a major blow after one of the federal member state's leaders skipped the second round of talks, which are set to outline key issues ahead of the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble summoned all state leaders and the governor of Banadir Omar Filish as part of the pre-planning upcoming elections, which are set to be held within two months in accordance with the agreement.

But Ali Gudlawe, the Hirshabelle state president, has boycotted the talks, further dealing a blow to plans for the country to go for indirect polls. Gudlawe cited "lack of consultation" with the office of the Prime Minister, which is in charge of preparations.

Ali Gudlawe's absence is a setback to the meeting as it already faces a delay in the opening schedule. Among others, the leaders were supposed to work on an elections calendar, which will be agreeable to all parties that have been wrangling for months.

Credible sources told Garowe Online that Gudlawe attended a preparatory meeting between the FGS and FMS leaders from Turkey via ZOOM, and was reportedly lost the line and did not return. While he was away, a decision was reached without his input.

Gudlawe, a close ally of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo will be absent from the upcoming talks while most of his counterparts are in Mogadishu for the key talks. Already, the country has almost 30 days before it goes for elections.

The PM faces big challenges to hold a peaceful and inclusive election due to unresolved contentious issues, including Gedo, security arrangements to polling stations, electoral bodies didn't meet yet, and elect their leadership with time is running out.

All elections officials were supposed to first meet on Thursday for the key talks but they are yet to meet. Roble was tasked to spearhead the electoral exercise after most leaders accused Farmajo of being biased, with others accusing him of plans to rig the polls.

Further, the country is yet to get funds for elections even as the European Union pledged to help the Office of the Prime Minister conduct the polls. Also, the opposition wants at least 33 members of the committee kicked out for having close ties with spy agency NISA.

GAROWE ONLINE