Opposition chiefs meet Farmaajo allied FMS leaders, explore poll talks

Ahmed Qoor-qoor of Galmudug, South West’s Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen and their HirShabelle counterpart Ali Gudlaawe met with the presidential candidates Sunday night at a hotel within Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu.

Sources privy to the talks told Goobjoog News the three presidents who had earlier met Farmaajo offered to mediate the talks and strike a deal for the elections to go ahead.

According to sources close to the meeting, the Farmaajo allies presented an offer for removal of names from the Federal Indirect Elections Team (FIET) which the opposition was uncomfortable with.

The composition of FIET has been a major point of contention with the opposition and a section of Federal Member States accusing the President of fronting cronies and senior security officials.

Lafta Gareen, sources added offered to engage both Ahmed Madobe (Jubbaland) and his Puntland counterpart Abdullahi Deni on settling the ongoing political disputes. The two allied states have ganged up against Villa Somalia demanding withdrawal of federal troops from Gedo region.

The opposition and FMS leaders have also demanded Farmaajo leaves the appointment of Somaliland elections team to politicians from the breakaway region.

Prime Minister Mohamed Roble said Thursday elections will go ahead locking out prospects for talks with the opposition. The announcement followed a meeting with the three FMS allies and Farmaajo.

The announcement has sparked sharp reactions from the opposition with former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accusing Farmaajo of unilateral decisions.