Mogadishu (KAAB TV) — The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting between the Federal Government of Somalia and the regional state governments is scheduled to begin Monday in Mogadishu.
However, the agenda of the meeting remains unclear, and no official details have been released about the issues to be discussed. As in past sessions, it is expected that the heads of the Federal Government and leaders of the regional administrations will attend.
Notably, the presidents of Jubbaland and Puntland have announced they will not take part in this round of talks. In contrast, the President of the Khatumo administration—recently recognized by the Federal Government as a fully legitimate authority—is set to participate for the first time.
James Swan, the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, has been actively working to persuade Puntland and Jubbaland leaders to attend the forum. His efforts aim to bridge the widening political gap between the Federal Government and the two influential regional states.
Swan has held separate discussions with Jubbaland’s Ahmed Madobe and Puntland’s Said Abdullahi Deni, urging them to join the meeting, express their concerns, and contribute to the decision-making process. He reportedly emphasized that unity is essential during this sensitive political period, as the country faces ongoing challenges, including conflict with insurgent groups.
Despite these appeals, Jubbaland and Puntland remain firm in their refusal to participate. Their leaders maintain that their grievances with the Federal Government—particularly with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—have not been adequately addressed.
Puntland has skipped most recent NCC meetings, while Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland withdrew from the last session in Mogadishu. Compounding the issue, the Federal Government has yet to formally recognize Madobe’s presidency.