PM Barre Says Confident of NCC Talks Despite Madobe, Deni’s Absence

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Hamze Barre has said the National Consultative talks will continue despite the exit of Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe until an amicable roadmap is reached on contentious agenda items.

Speaking Monday night following an earlier cabinet meeting, the National Consultative Council chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will continue without hindrance. The talks started on October 2.

“The meeting of the National Consultative Council that opened on the 2nd of October is still going on. The leaders who participated in the meeting are holding consultations on some issues, and when these consultations are over, decisions and official statements will be issued,” said Prime Minister said.

The PM’s remark come amid fear the talks may have collapsed following Madobe’s return to Kismayo. Puntland President Abdullahi Deni, an ally of Madobe skipped the talks following a fall-out with the Federal Government last year.

The PM expressed confidence in the talks noting the national leaders were committed to an agreement on key issues.

“We are committed to the unity and nationalism of Somalis and to avoid anything that can lead to the division of the Somali people. We are determined to move the country forward and bring it back,” the PM added in an address.

Sources said there was disagreements over the timelines for regional and national elections. Some leaders proposed that all Federal Member State elections be concluded by next year ahead of the presidential poll in 2026. However, some are opposed to the idea on grounds that their term limits vary.