Puntland and Jubaland issue fresh ultimatums over Somalia's dialogue

GAROWE, Puntland - The Federal States of Puntland and Jubaland have yet again issued fresh ultimatums over the much anticipated pre-election meeting in Mogadishu, this time chiding outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of allegedly sabotaging the process.

In a lengthy statement, Puntland accused Farmajo of plotting to disrupt discussions between Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the union of presidential candidates, arguing that the president should be tolerant and embrace the efforts.

Farmajo, Puntland said, should show a willingness to accept the outcome for the sake of prosperity. The state now wants the United Nations and AMISOM to secure a venue for dialogue, which must have enough security to avoid possible attacks.

"We welcome dialogue between PM Roble and Council of presidential candidates. This paves the way for an inclusive national election; therefore, we urge the UN Somalia and Amisom Somalia to arrange a safe venue at the airport 2 conclude the discussions on obstacles facing the implementation of Sept 17 agreement," Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni said.

On the other hand, Jubaland now wants Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to be given time to conclude talks for the sake of stability in the country. President Ahmed Madobe reiterates he is willing to participate in a meeting on Sept 17 agreement, held at a “safe place”.

"Jubaland encourages the ongoing dialogue between the opposition and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. The state is also ready to attend the pre-election conference in a safe place based on September 17 agreement," Madobe said on his Twitter account.

The two states have been critical of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who they accuse of deliberately failing to implement the September pre-election deal which had been reached by both parties. Among others, the two states want federal troops to be withdrawn from the Gedo region.

But amid the pressure, Farmajo has called for another conference which he wants to be held in Mogadishu on March 4 [tomorrow], involving all stakeholders. However, the council of presidential candidates has dismissed the meeting, arguing that it's one of the strategies by Farmajo to cling to power.

GAROWE ONLINE