Galmudug and ASWJ to hold talks in Mogadishu

Galmudug regional state in Somalia’s central regions and moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ) officials are expected to hold key talks in Mogadishu in the coming days.

Galmudug delegation led by acting President Mohamed Hashi Abdi Arrabey has arrived in Mogadishu at the invitation of top Somali Federal Government leadership, with ASWJ officials anticipated to arrive in Mogadishu soon.

The five-day talks will focus on ironing out the political dispute between the two sides and expanding the regional government by bringing ASWJ on board.

The talks will be brokered by the Somali Federal Government and International community. Galmudug presidential election which was previously set to be held on April 10 has been postponed for 20 days to give talks a chance and form an all-inclusive administration in central Somalia regions.

ASWJ seems to have the appetite to unite with Galmudug state when its leader Sheikh Mohammed Shakir met President Farmajo in Mogadishu in February.