US ambassador to Somalia meets Jubaland and Puntland leaders

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Even with the deepening political crisis in Somalia, the United States of America envoy to Somalia Donald Yamamoto on Sunday met Jubaland and Puntland leaders as he tries to unravel the current impasse, which threatens both the security and stability of the country.

With the term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, having have ended, the country is racing against time to put in place new leadership, but the political class has failed to agree on certain important issues, leading to the current stalemate.

Last week, the federal government of Somalia claimed Jubaland and Puntland were behind the collapse of the Afisyoni conference, but the two states have since termed the claims as "inaccurate and inconsequential", adding that they are committed to ensuring a solution is reached.

Sources told Garowe Online that Yamamoto held a closed-door meeting with President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland and Jubaland's Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who have been in Mogadishu for almost a month now over electoral talks.

While details about the meeting remain scanty, Yamamoto has been trying to bring together FMS and FGS leaders, with the international community pushing for the implementation of the September 17 pre-election deal, which FGS also maintains that it's the only "short cut to elections".

Firebrand Southwest President Lafta-Gareen, who has close ties with outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has also reportedly jetted back to Mogadishu, further giving a boost to efforts by Yamamoto to help the teams strike a deal.

Jubaland and Puntland insist that the Feb 19 shooting in Mogadishu and the legitimacy of Farmajo's administration should be included in the agenda of the talks.

There are also claims that the Lower House wants to extend the term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo albeit, unconstitutionally.

GAROWE ONLINE