Int’l community pressures Somalia political leaders into deal

KISMAYO, Somalia, January 17, 2016 (Garowe Online)-International community is mounting pressure on disputing Somali political leaders after talks failed to yield major breakthrough for viable electoral transition by 2016, Garowe Online reports.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who was planning to leave for Mogadishu on Saturday rescinded his departure, with foreign diplomats and IGAD envoys stepping in for the moot point of political deadlock.

On Saturday, talks came to halt after Puntland and Jubaland refused to agree to controversial traditional 4.5 power sharing formula--a blueprint strongly backed by national government, Galmudug and Southwest State.

No gatherings have taken place as of Saturday evening in the southern port city of Kismayo.

International community whose financial assistance couldn’t be weaned off, wants that deal be reached on poll model before due time.

Somali President has not bargained with other political leaders for his strong desire for 4.5 quota in the course of Kismayo forum.

Somalia Federal Govenrment is seen to be responsible for recent Mogadishu meetings that voiced opposition to transition into district-based model.

Observers tell GO that Mohamud will have wrapped up his re-election campaign given a rare political mood at Kismayo talks. 

GAROWE ONLINE