Somalia: Launch of President-Linked Political Party Stalls Amid Dispute

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia - FILE PHOTO

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A newly formed political formation named Justice and Unity Party (JUP) linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has failed to kick off in which is linked to unresolved negotiations with state leaders within the country.

Southwest leader Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen is said to be uncomfortable with the arrangements, leading to the imminent postponement of the event. Protagonists are expected to continue with talks ahead of launching, official days.

According to sources, there are growing disputes over leadership roles within the new party. Previously, Hassan Sheikh's political platform, the party, was restructured to include Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest leaders. Hassan Sheikh is determined to consolidate regional backing.

Already, Hirshabelle and Galmudug have accepted their offers in the new party, but Southwest wants the roles reviewed. Hassan Sheikh is pushing for this ahead of the universal suffrage elections, with the country expected to shift from the old model of elections.

“These consultations are essential to avoid future political rifts,” a senior official involved in the negotiations told Somaliguardian on condition of anonymity. “Without Southwest’s buy-in, the party lacks national credibility.”

Critics argue Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing to unify three key states as he eyes to consolidate them for universal suffrage elections amid resistance from Jubaland and Puntland, with the three states in concurrence being predominantly occupied by his Hawiye clan.

If Southwest State declines to join the new party, analysts warn that President Mohamud’s agenda could lose critical momentum. The coalition would then represent fewer than one-quarter of the national clan power structure and control only two of Somalia’s five federal member states.

The Jubaland and Puntland administrations insist that the universal suffrage elections would lead to illegal term extensions of both the federal and state leaders, but Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is determined to ensure the entire country directly votes for leaders.

GAROWE ONLINE