Madobe, Deni Land in Mogadishu Ahead of Crucial Talks with President Mohamud

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland and his Puntland counterpart Abdullahi Deni arrived in Mogadishu Tuesday evening ahead of crucial talks between the opposition and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following several months of gridllock.

The two leaders landed at Aden Adde Airport as preparations for the the crucial talks are underway. This comes following prolonged and often tense standoff with the Federal Government over the country’s political transition, including the electoral model, constitutional amendments, and the distribution of powers between the federal centre and member states.

Opposition lawmakers from both houses of parliament received the two leaders at Aden Adde International Airport, signaling political backing for the positions held by Jubaland and Puntland in the ongoing dispute.

The talks, expected to open in Mogadishu in the coming days, are aimed at easing the political deadlock that has stalled consensus on Somalia’s electoral roadmap and constitutional process.The opposition under the Somali Future Council umbrella also scheduled to hold separate meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his cabinet to formally present its objections and demands, as pressure mounts for a negotiated settlement ahead of the next phase of the political transition.