​Somalia: Political leaders continue talks as Erdogan kicks off tour

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Somali political leaders are still in Mogadishu for key election talks as Turkish President RecepTayyipErdogan has kicked off East Africa tour with a visit to Uganda on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

The discussion continued for its third day, with critical topics including status of the capital, role of traditional elders, technical preparations and poll venues on the table.

Sources tell GO that leaders have yet to determine key priorities for election roadmap expected to be held by August this year.

All delegates—mostly ministers and senior aides to presidents—are not attending and the talks have been closed for the federal leadership and regional presidents.

Meanwhile, Turkish President has embarked on a four-day two-nation trip that highly likely includes Somalia on Friday.

The unannounced visit to Mogadishu would mark the third by Erdogan who became the first non-African leader to visit conflict-wracked Somalia in 2011.

Before his departure for Uganda, the first leg of his East African tour, Erdogan approved a Somalia grant agreement covering USD 2 million on monthly basis and not exceeding USD 24 million in total according to Turkey’s Daily Hurriyet.

The agreement, which the Official Gazette said was signed by Turkey and Somalia “within the spirit of historical and cultural ties as well as the long existing good relations between the parties” and was “desiring to strengthen and further enhance good relations between the parties,” had already entered into force.

Ridden by years of corruption under the incumbency of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the country will utilize the grant for budget financing and institutional capacity building in line with domestic practices and regulations.

GAROWEONLINE