Inside Galmudug talks: Delegation returns to Mogadishu as election deal efforts intensify

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A delegation of senior Somali politicians and former lawmakers returned to Mogadishu after several days of meetings in Dhuusamareeb with Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye “Qoorqoor,” according to people familiar with the discussions.

The delegation, largely composed of political figures from the Galmudug region, had been holding consultations aimed at conveying messages between regional and federal actors, sources said.

Among the key issues discussed, according to the sources, was a proposal that Qoorqoor be allowed to participate in upcoming elections as a candidate under a separate political party, alongside questions over the composition and independence of the electoral commission. The talks were also described as part of broader efforts to open a channel of dialogue between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Qoorqoor.

The discussions in Dhuusamareeb reportedly remained inconclusive, with disagreements persisting over political guarantees, electoral neutrality and regional autonomy-related demands, the sources added.

Separately, confidential sources in Villa Somalia said that talks were held on Sunday between federal government officials and Liibaan Axmed, a political figure seen as a potential contender in Galmudug-related political arrangements. The discussions reportedly focused on the evolving political situation in Galmudug, though no details were made public.

Meanwhile, business figures have also entered the political conversation, urging a negotiated settlement to the tensions surrounding Galmudug’s political future, particularly involving Qoorqoor. They are reportedly pushing for a final agreement before the first week of June.

Neither the federal government nor Galmudug regional authorities have publicly commented on the reported discussions.

GAROWE ONLINE