Somalia: Talks in Puntland end in failure

GAROWE, Somalia, July 16, 2015 (Garowe Online)-A trilateral meeting that brought together Somalia Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and leaders of Puntland and Jubaland ended in failure after parties stuck to their positions, Garowe Online has learned.

Puntland categorically insisted that the formation of Galmudug was in violation of Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) which stipulates ‘two or more regions may merge to form federal member state’.

Prime Minister Sharmarke also asked both Puntland and Jubaland to recognize all national commissions, notably Independent National Electoral Board and Boundary and Federation commission, a move that triggered constitutional debate over the mandatory of prior consultation before commissions being set up.

Jubaland’s ties to Mogadishu-based federal government have remained suspended since June 6, when session marred by lack of quorum and delays voted in favor of controversial motion against Jubba regional assembly.

Meanwhile, the northeastern state of Puntland protested unilateral inclusion of Mudug in regional constitution approved by Adado delegates last month.

 “If Galmudug is recognized in breach of the constitution, then you will expect faint regions and unprecedented national fragmentation,” analyst told GO.

Prime Minister Sharmarke Monday arrived in Puntland to ease constitutional dispute and mend ties with Garowe and Kismayo.

The failure to agree a deal may be jeopardizing the country’s timetable towards election by 2016.  

GAROWE ONLINE