Somalia's leaders resume talks to break an election deadlock

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The much anticipated pre-election meeting between the federal government of Somalia and the federal member states has officially kicked off in Mogadishu, days after the international community almost broke ranks with Somalia after Farmajo attempted to extend his term.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble is steering the talks and is optimistic that they will yield fruits as the country strives to mitigate the current electoral impasse which has literally delayed elections in the country.

Present for the talks is Said Abdullahi Deni [Puntland], Ahmed Madobe [Jubaland], Ahmed Abdi Kariye [Galmadug], Ali Gudlawe [Hirshabelle], Lafta-Gareen [Southwest], and Mogadishu Mayor Omar Filish, who is also a stakeholder in the talks.

The country's outgoing leader Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is absent but had delegated powers to Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to lead the talks. Farmajo had initially been accused of obstructing the talks by "inciting" a number of regional leaders.

Early this week, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble expressed optimism that the talks will yield tangible solutions, adding that a satisfying outcome would help the country move ahead and hold elections within time.

"As we are fully prepared for the National Consultative Conference on Elections, I am optimistic that it commences smoothly and ends satisfactorily so that the country goes to transparent, free, and fair elections," he noted.

Unlike Farmajo, Roble has gotten support from unlikely quarters, with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed saying he has full confidence in him. Both Jubaland and Puntland leaders had also expressed similar sentiments.

"I have full confidence in the ongoing efforts by PM Roble regarding the resolution of outstanding issues on elections being convinced that the PM should be accorded due support and opportunity to ensure he fulfills the enormous task of holding free and fair elections," Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said.

The country's leaders have held such meetings before but unfortunately, the federal government has repeatedly failed to implement the outcome. Many international players want the leadership to facilitate a smooth transition.

The first day of the National Electoral Consultative meeting in Mogadishu chaired by PM Roble comes to an end. The FGS-FMS talks wrapped up in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and will be reconvened on Sunday

GAROWE ONLINE