MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s regional leaders will not attend a political meeting scheduled for June 15 by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the federal government announced Tuesday, amid heightened political tensions in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Justice Minister Hassan Moalim said the meeting would instead bring together opposition leaders, including former presidents, and civil society representatives. The aim, he said, was to hear their recommendations on how to address the country’s ongoing political crisis.
“The president wants to engage with a wide range of voices to find a solution,” Moalim told reporters. “Regional leaders will be part of a subsequent meeting within the framework of the National Consultative Council (NCC).”
The NCC, composed of federal and regional leaders, is tasked with steering the constitutional process and managing key political transitions. Moalim said that after consultations with the opposition and civil society, talks with the regions would follow to forge national consensus.
Political tensions have escalated in recent months, with disputes over federal powers, electoral processes, and constitutional reforms creating friction between the central government and some federal member states.
The government has said any outcomes requiring constitutional changes will be referred to the legislative bodies for approval.
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