Uncertainty Looms Over Somalia’s NCC in Mogadishu Amid Delays and Boycotts

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The National Consultative Forum[NCC], initially scheduled for May 1st and then postponed to May 5th, has now been delayed once again due to the absence of key delegates from the Federal States. Only the leaders of the SSC-Khaatumo state, Firdhiye and HirShabelle, are present in Mogadishu.

The Presidents of Galmudug and South West States have not yet arrived in Mogadishu, with reports suggesting they will arrive by early tomorrow. However, the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland have confirmed they will not participate in the forum at all.

The delay comes amid growing political tensions, particularly with Puntland and Jubbaland, who have boycotted the forum in protest against the Somali federal government’s violation of the constitution.

The two regional states have expressed concerns over the government’s lack of commitment to addressing contentious issues, including the country’s upcoming elections, security concerns, and the distribution of power. Despite efforts by James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, to persuade the Puntland and Jubbaland leaders to join the discussions, these attempts have failed.

The National Consultative Forum, which began in 2017, is a crucial platform for dialogue between the federal government and regional states, aiming to resolve key political and governance issues. However, relations between the federal government and certain regional leaders, especially those from Puntland and Jubbaland, have been fraught with tensions.

Disagreements over the implementation of federalism, electoral processes, and security arrangements have contributed to this growing divide. The boycott by Puntland and Jubaland came after the Somali government ignored calls from International partners to hold a national dialogue involving all sides, including the civil society and the opposition. 

GAROWE ONLINE