US asks Somalia's political players to drop conditions ahead of pre-election talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In what could rattle both the opposition and federal government of Somalia, the U.S. has asked political players to drop pre-conditions so that to allow the country to find a solution to the current political stalemate in the country.

Already, the international community has raised concerns about the absence of Jubaland and Puntland, which have questioned the process, besides raising questions about the delayed implementation of the September 17 pre-election deal.

U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, now wants the outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the federal states to tolerate each other and allow the electoral process to move on as planned, in yet another strong signal which could trigger more differences in the country.

"We urge Farmajo to ensure full participation in the summit and conclude an elections deal. We urge Said Abdullahi Deni, Madobe, Ahmed Abdi Karie Ali Guudlaawe, Lafta-Gareen to participate without preconditions," the US said in reference to the country's leadership.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, released a statement on Tuesday saying that the A.U. is closely monitoring Somalia's political developments as leaders gather to forge a path to elections.

Mahamat said he was concerned that President Said Abdullahi Deni and President Ahmed Madobe of Puntland and Jubaland snubbed the talks.

"While the Chairperson is encouraged by the arrival in Mogadishu of leaders from all the Federal Member States, as well as other stakeholders, he is gravely concerned at reports that the meeting could take place without the participation of all the FMS Presidents."

Farmajo and PM Roble met with the leaders of Hirshabelle, South-West, Galmudug, and Benadir at Aden Abdulle International Airport complex in Mogadishu Monday and Tuesday to discuss how to implement the September 17 agreement and the recommendations put forth by the Baidoa Technical Committee.

There have been concerns about the latest development, with critics arguing that the West is hellbent to interfere with the country's sovereignty and independence in terms of decision-making. The country largely depends on the international community for financial support.

GAROWE ONLINE