Kismayo (Kaab TV) – Kismayo, the interim capital of the Jubbaland State, today officially welcomed the first delegation arriving to take part in the Somali Opposition Conference, which is expected to be formally opened tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17.
The delegation that arrived in Kismayo today was led by the Secretary of the Somali Salvation Forum, Mohamed Adan Koofi. They were received at Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan Airport by the Jubbaland Minister of Interior, Mohamed Ibrahim Oogle, along with other officials from the Jubbaland administration.
Speaking to the media, Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Oogle stated that the conference will last four days, running from December 17 to December 20.
He noted that the meeting will focus on finalizing the structure of the Somali Future Council and analyzing the country’s ongoing transitional political situation.
For his part, Mohamed Adan Koofi said that the Kismaayo conference is of great importance given the difficult political phase Somalia is currently facing.
“Today I arrived in the city of Kismayo, where the conference to complete the formation of the Somali Future Council will soon open. During the conference, key issues related to the country’s complex situation will be discussed,” Koofi said, while thanking the Jubbaland administration and people for their warm reception and hospitality.
Reports from Kismayo indicate that the Jubbaland administration has significantly strengthened security and overall preparations, as opposition leaders—many of whom previously held senior positions in the federal government—are expected to arrive in the city in the coming days.
Members of the opposition have described the Kismaayo conference as a historic opportunity for unity, bringing them together after a long period of consultations and coordination.
During the conference, participants are expected to hold both open and closed-door meetings to deliberate on the country’s political direction, challenges to state-building, and their perspectives on the ongoing political changes.
The President of Jubbaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), is hosting the opposition leaders during their stay in Kismayo. The conference comes at a time when Somalia is experiencing intense political debates and a strong need for a unified opposition platform, particularly on national issues such as elections.
