Presidents of Puntland and Jubaland Arrive in Mogadishu, Talks Delayed Over Venue Dispute

Written by Abdiasis Farah Said
Mogadishu, Somalia — The presidents of Puntland and Jubaland arrived in Mogadishu last Tuesday to attend Somalia’s Future Council meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, but the talks have yet to take place due to a disagreement over the venue.
Sources say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has insisted the meeting be held at Villa Somalia, while council members want it conducted in the heavily secured zone at Aden Adde International Airport, where embassies are located and African Union troops provide protection. The president argues that holding the meeting inside the airport compound undermines Somalia’s sovereignty.
The election issue is the most heated topic on the agenda. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing for the implementation of a one-person, one-vote electoral system across Somalia. However, rumors circulating in political circles suggest he may also seek a two-year term extension from parliament to allow time to implement the reforms.
The Future Council, which is largely composed of opposition figures and rival candidates, strongly opposes this agenda. Council members instead want indirect elections to be held in May, when the president’s current term is set to end.
Many political observers predict the talks may ultimately fail, as both sides appear unwilling to compromise.
Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to travel to Addis Ababa on Friday to attend the African Union summit, and the meeting is expected to take place after his return.