Security and conflict between Fed and State govts top Mogadishu meeting agenda

Settlement of ongoing political crisis and development of a coordinated strategy to fight extremist groups in the country among others form the basis of deliberations between President Mohamed Farmaajo and state leaders in the ongoing talks in Mogadishu.

The agenda seen by Goobjoog News based on six key points highlights underlying issues in the country.

The federal government has been at loggerheads with the state leaders especially since the onset of the Gulf Crisis in June as majority of the states broke ranks with the federal government to back Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates as Mogadishu maintained a neutral position. Subsequently, the state leaders blamed the Federal Government for what they said were deliberate attempts to destabilise the regions and remove their leadership.

The leaders will also be deliberating on a joint counter-offensive strategy following the October 14 truck bombing in Mogadishu in addition to the Saturday attack which in total have claimed over 400 lives.

President Farmaajo concluded a whirl wind tour of three troops contributing countries last Thursday where he had sought reinforced support for his offensive against Al-Shabaab.

Power and resources sharing is also one of the issues the leaders are discussing. State leaders under the newly formed Council of Intergovernmental Cooperation have accused the federal government of holding on to international aid with a small percentage going to the regions.

The leaders will also be finding a way forward for the constitutional review process which has since stalled owing to conflict between the review and implementation bodies and the ministry of constitutional affairs.

Others issues on the table are preparation for the 2020 elections and the humanitarian relief process.