Somalia Partnership Forum conference opens in Brussels amid rift

BRUSSELS, Belgium – A high-level meeting on Somalia’s future has kicked off on Monday in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium and European Union Headquarters, Garowe Online reports.

The conference dubbed “Somalia Partnership Forum” brings together delegates from Somali Federal Government led by President Farmajo, the Federal States and International community representatives.

During the meeting which runs for two days, 16th and 17th July focuses on humanitarian issues, economic recovery and reviewing progress made in Somalia since the London conference 2017, national security and 2020 polls.

The meeting began with a stiff deadlock after the Jubaland delegation boycotted the attendance of the opening session in what officials described “last minute change of agenda and breach of the protocol”.

After efforts by EU mission in Somalia officials and the Federal government, Jubaland president and his delegate have been given an “apology” for its concerns pursued to join the ongoing key conference.

“State delegation headed by the President has joined the Somalia Partnership Forum after the Federal Government of Somalia and the EU mission in Somalia have apologized for the breach of protocol and the agenda was restored to its original status,” Jubaland’s minister of planning, Aden Ibrahim Aw-Hersi tweeted.

The Minister did not mention what was the breach of the Protocol, but, sources revealed to Garowe Online that Jubaland was unhappy how its President, Ahmed Madobe was treated at Brussels airport.

The Brussels summit comes Brussels comes amid deteriorating relations between Somali Government and Jubaland which has been at a ‘low point’ since the start of the Gulf diplomatic crisis last year.

Last Friday, Jubbaland has turned back a plane carrying the newly appointed commander of the 43rd division of Somali army Gen Ali Bogmadow from Kismayo airport, saying the government didn’t consult with president Madobe about the new commander’s appointment.

Early this year, the regional state leader has accused the Federal Government in Mogadishu of taking sides in deepening Arab rift and allegedly showing support for Qatar which was isolated by Saudi-UAE led alliance.

GAROWE ONLINE