Somalia: Puntland, Jubaland Presidents storm out of Mogadishu Conference

MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 20, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland and Jubaland leaders have stormed out of key consultation conference on format for transition in 2016, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland’s Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and Jubaland leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) have walked off after officials reportedly offered to mediate in territorial dispute between Puntland and Interim Galmudug Administration.

According to sources close to the forum, Puntland President said that he can’t sit down with Galmudug leader whose administration is composed of a region and half in violation of Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC).

Galmudug regional assembly voted controversial clause out of constitution in the midst of simmering row over Puntland's southern border with the central state in August.

Abdikarin Hussein Guled, Galmudug leader was seen sitting next to other regional leaders by Saturday.

International community representatives attending the political forum are trying to convince Ali and Madobe to overturn walkout.

Meanwhile, Jubaland delegation pulled out for lack of solution to the crisis created by passing of no confidence vote in Jubba regional assembly.

The two will table their complaints before the consultative conference is concluded later today.

Galmudug previously accused Puntland of backing its arch rival, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea paramilitary group. 

GAROWE ONLINE