Regional leaders meet in Baidoa as row with Fed. Govt holds

FILE: Puntland leader Ali Gaas (R), President Mohamed Farmaajo (C) and South West state leader Sharif Adan in a past function. The regional and Federal Government leaders read from separate scripts on the Gulf dispute. Photo: Amisom

As President Mohamed Farmaajo jetted off to Doha, Qatar Sunday, regional state who have differed with him on the Gulf Crisis stance headed to Baidoa, the capital of South West state.

According to sources privy to the meeting, the leaders are expected to further their earlier discussions on political developments, security and resources sharing. Sources have also intimated to Goobjoog News the leaders-Puntland’s Ali Gaas, Jubbaland’s Ahmed Madobe, Galmudug’s Ahmed Haaf, HirShabelle’s Mohamed Ware host, Sharif Aden will be taking a joint position regarding the Gulf row.

Aden, Haaf and Gaas had last year declared their support for the UAE while Madobe held back but HirShabelle was embroiled in a political row which led to the exit of then president Ali Osoble.

But last week upon arrival from Abu Dhabi, Madobe expressed dalliance with Emirati regime accusing President Farmaajo of double standards. While urging neutrality, Madobe said, Farmaajo was allied to Qatar.

“My idea is that we do not isolate Qatar but are we doing this is a systematic manner?” Madobe said. “The government has decided to align itself with Qatar.”

The meeting comes amid another round of fall-out between the Federal Government and Puntland over the ending of UAE military support. Gaas has strongly fought against the move insisting that the UAE forces in Puntland ‘are here to stay.’ Gaas also argued the presence of UAE forces in Puntland and support of the state forces was instrumental in protecting the Gulf of Aden strip from terrorists and other criminal networks.

All the regional leaders have made trips to UAE in the recent months.