Somalia: Jubaland refuses to attend Mogadishu leadership forum

MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 27, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia’s Jubaland administration has refused to attend a leadership forum set to get underway in Mogadishu on July 29 following a two-day visit by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Kismayo, Garowe Online reports.

Jubaland leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) is said to have rebuffed to agree to President Mohamud’s blueprint meant for crafting strategies ahead of 2016 Election.

Mogadishu leadership forum will bring together Southwest state President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, Galmudug leader Abdikarin Hussein Gulled and the federal government leadership, sans Puntland and Jubaland.

Multiple independent sources tell Garowe Online that pressure by International community representatives is mounting on Puntland about reservations over Mogadishu meeting.

Both Puntland and Jubaland unveiled that they have no plans to jet off to Mogadishu for the key leadership forum.

Mohamud Sunday arrived in Kismayo for the opening of military training for 1200 Jubaland soldiers to be integrated into Somali National Army (SNA).

Relations soured after parliamentary session marred by lack of quorum and delays voted in favor of controversial vote of no confidence against Jubba regional assembly on June 6.

On the same day, Jubaland broke off all ties with UN-backed national government over the passing of the motion.

With a day left to the date slated, President Mohamud returned to Mogadishu empty-handed on Monday. 

GAROWE ONLINE