President Farmaajo appeals for dialogue with state leaders amid split

President Mohamed Farmaajo has appealed to the regional state leaders to drop their tough stance against the federal government and give dialogue a chance amid a widening rift between the two levels of government which has seen state leaders pronounce far reaching decisions including formation of own army.

The President said in a statement Sunday the current political impasse in the country risks eroding gains made so far in stabilizing the country.

“We cannot allow political differences to slow down the successes we have realised in the reconstruction of the country and its institutions,” Farmaajo said. “Real dialogue and unity can make it easier for us to move forward from where we are now. We can engage and put our strength together to defeat Al-Shabaab and deliver peace, prosperity and development.”

The President noted that his administration was committed to dialogue with the regional state leaders to address concerns adding that consultation, inclusiveness and co-existence are crucial for the country’s recovery process.

The President’s statement follows increasing isolation from the federal state leaders who have severally accused his government of interference and failure to honour agreements. Four state leaders-Puntland’s Abdiweli Gaas, Galmudug’s Ahmed Haaf and Sharif Sheikh Adan from South West declared this past week they would form their own army to avoid reliance on the federal government for security. The leaders also announced the formation of a new political party.

The four leaders, including HirShabelle’s Mohamed Waare declared non-cooperation with the federal government early September and reiterated the same last week in Garowe. Waare has since vacated that position and pledged cooperation with Mogadishu.

Meanwhile President Farmaajo spoke with his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta last evening. According to Villa Somalia, the two leaders discussed bilateral matters including trade and movement of citizens between the two countries.