Politicians in central Somalia slam Garowe conference outcome

Galkayo, Somalia, May 3, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Politicians in central Somalia have slammed the outcome of three-day conference in Puntland capital of Garowe, signaling watershed moments for the country’s loose federalization process, Garowe Online reports.

Abdikarin Hussein Gulled, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s close ally who vies for central state presidency called the four-party agreement ‘unconstitutional: “I criticize [Garowe Conference] for the point regarding central state formation…I am considering it as a ‘point’ that goes against the Constitution, and it’s a stumbling block to the state formation in central Somalia,” Gulled said on BBC Somali Service.

When asked about the possible solution to the controversies facing state formation, he noted that residents of North Mudug should have the final say on their future.

“If they [North Mudug residents] want to become united with the upcoming administration of Mudug and Galgadud, they should not be pressured,” he went on.

Galmudug wants North Mudug delegates invited 

Galmudug leader and former warlord Abdi Hassan Awale (Qaybdiid) has also voiced opposition to the joint communiqué issued by Mogadishu-based Federal Government, Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest state administration.

Qaybdiid pointed accusing fingers at a point in the agreement which bars North Mudug delegates from attending the ongoing convention in Adado.

The remarks by Galmudug leader comes after Puntland acquitted alleged central state convention participants including former MP of treason charges.

Technical Committee Dissolution  

Meanwhile in Adado, Galmudug and the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea handpicked 35 members for controversial technical committee a few days after the unilateral dissolution of a committee headed by Halima Ismael.

In defiance to the decision to disband them, Ismael said she will continue executing tasks entrusted to the committee.

On Wednesday, clan elder Abdinasir Jama Seed announced that they dissolved the technical committee for refusing to vet North Mudug delegates to Adado convention. 

GAROWE ONLINE