MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is traveling to Mogadishu this morning to take part in a political dialogue forum convened by the Federal Government of Somalia. The talks aim to resolve the ongoing political disputes surrounding the country’s electoral process and proposed constitutional amendments.
President Deni has sent ahead security forces equipped with both light and heavy weapons to ensure his protection.
This marks the second time Deni has traveled to Mogadishu accompanied by a large security contingent, reflecting the deep level of mistrust and suspicion between the Federal Government and the Puntland administration.
Nearly four years have passed since President Deni last visited Mogadishu, which occurred a few months after the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Since then, Puntland and the Federal Government have lacked a visible and effective working relationship, despite numerous attempts to resolve their political differences.
Recently, Puntland agreed to participate in the Federal Government–led dialogue initiative, which focuses primarily on electoral issues, with the goal of reaching a unified solution that can steer the country in the right direction.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term is set to expire in less than four months, has faced criticism for failing to prepare the country for elections based on a national consensus.
It is also becoming increasingly apparent that he has abandoned his earlier ambition to hold a one-person, one-vote election.
It is expected that leaders of the Federal Government and the Federal Member States meeting in Mogadishu will reach a political agreement aimed at pulling the country out of the prevailing uncertainty and political instability.