MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s international partners have welcomed talks between the federal government and regional state leaders scheduled to restart in Mogadishu as a “critical opportunity that must not be missed to advance peace and security” in the Horn of Africa nation.
“We commend Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble for convening the summit and look forward to his continued leadership in the electoral process, including electoral security,” Somalia’s international partners said in a statement on Thursday.
Talks set to be resumed on Thursday have been postponed as some of the five regional leaders are still expected to arrive in Mogadishu.
The international partners welcomed the “commitment of all FMS leaders to participate in the summit without preconditions”.
“We call on all FGS and FMS leaders to make constructive compromises to reach agreement quickly, so that the country can swiftly organize elections based on the 17 September Agreement,” statement adds.
Key sticking points, including government’s control in Gedo region and outgoing president’s powers remain unaddressed and are feared to lead to the collapse of the new round of talks, though most of the country’s political stakeholders have expressed hope that a deal to bring an end to long-running stalemate will be reached.
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