Abiy meets Mustafa and Ahmed Shide amid political rift in Somali region

ADDIS ABABA - The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed met with the leader of Somali regional state Mustafa Mohamed Omar and the chairman of Somali People's Democratic party [SPDP] Ahmed Shide in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

The Office of the PM said in a statement, seen by Garowe Online that the talks focused on the security and development in the region which has been marred by political deadlock between the president and Shide, who is also Ethiopian Finance Minister.

The meeting concluded with Prime Minister Abiy providing direction on strengthening the development of the Somali region.

Last week, Jamal Dirie, legal and human rights advisor of Mustafa Mohamed Omar accused elements within the federal government, including Ahmed Shide, of attempting to illegally oust the president, who assumed the position barely 6 months ago.

According to Addis Standard, the cabinet, together with elders from the Somali region called Ahmed Shide, to come to Jigjiga for consultations “within two days.” The consultations did not happen, potentially widening political crisis in the region.

On the other hand, the Ogaden National Liberation Front [ONLF] called upon the ruling party in the Somali state to resolve any difference internally in an amicable and transparent manner.

GAROWE ONLINE