Ex-president: Only dialogue will save Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed says only dialogue will save Somalia from plunging into a possible political conflict, noting that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud can organise such meetings with other leaders.

Sharif Sheikh, who handed over powers to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud after the famous defeat of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu in 2012, held the first-ever meeting with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in as many months, where they bought agreed on fixing contentious issues.

The two leaders discussed constitutional affairs, politics and the future of the country, and the current differences between the federal government and Puntland have ended without result. Sharif Sheikh has been calling for dialogue.

The former leader said he believes the current political differences should be resolved through dialogue. He thanked traditional elders and intellectuals who arranged the meeting with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is pushing for constitutional changes.

Already, four chapters of the new constitution have been approved by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud after passing through parliament without opposition. Among the changes include Somalia electing a president directly on the ballot just like other politicians.

The changes will also see the president wield a lot of powers which are currently being undertaken by the Prime Minister, who is in charge of government. These changes will be effected in the next cycle of elections within the country.

Puntland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of selfishness while withdrawing support for the federal government until 'we hold dialogue'. Said Abdullahi Deni approved the withdrawal of Puntland from the federal government citing controversial constitutional changes.

GAROWE ONLINE