Somalia leaders open talks in an attempt to break an election deadlock

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Despite questions surrounding his legitimacy, outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and leaders of the Federal States resumed their meeting in Afisiyooni Center, Mogadishu, as the country struggles to solve the electoral stalemate.

The country is in a state of limbo, forcing members of the international community to chip in and push for an amicable agreement ahead of elections. The composition of the Electoral Committee has been one of the major troubling issues for months now.

With the opposition insisting that most members are allies of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, the government has dismissed such allegations, leading to the current political stalemate.

"The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia H.E Mohamed Hussein Rooble, all Heads of State and the Governor of Benadir Region are also present in the meeting," the state media reported. 

Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe and his Puntland counterpart Said Abdullahi Deni has been pushing to expand the talks, include all sides, and discuss the legitimacy of the current administration and the Feb 19 shooting incorporated in the agenda.

But according to Sonna, "An agreement on implementation of the election process are the key points to be discussed in the conference". The US and other stakeholders are pushing for the implementation of the electoral plan.

GAROWE ONLINE