MOGADISHU (SD) – The outgoing Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Thursday announced that the talks between the federal government and its member states will kick off in Mogadishu.

In a statement, the country’s information ministry said the president will chair a consultative meeting on the electoral process impasse which lasted for Saturday.

“President of FGS Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo again invited FMS Presidents and Banaadir Region Governor to come to an ice break meeting on Saturday 3rd of April @ Avizione Centre to talk implementation of Sept 17 and 16 Feb. Agreements,” the ministry said.

Jubbaland state which had been at loggerheads with President Farmajo has welcomed the talks saying it hopes the conference will break the deadlock.

“I wish the upcoming conference on Saturday in Afisyoni to be successful and steer the nation towards inclusive elections based on 17 Sept deal. and 16 Feb committee recommendation,” said Hirsi Ganni, state minister for Jubbaland state presidency.

The call by Farmajo comes UN urged Somalia’s political stakeholders to come together “at the earliest opportunity” to break the political impasse that led to the delay of the elections in the country.

UN Security Council on called Somalia’s leaders to engage in a constructive dialogue at the earliest opportunity without precondition to resolve outstanding issues on the legitimate basis of the 17 September agreement and the recommendations of the 16 February Baidoa Technical Committee.

amid leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland states accused the federal government of sabotaging the talks to iron out the electoral process dispute.

Last Wednesday, the governments of Puntland and Jubaland accused the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of obstructing electoral talks with the regional leaders, further deepening the electoral stalemate.

“The Federal Member States of Puntland and Jubbaland is concerned that senior officials of the outgoing Federal Government are obstructing the conference in Mogadishu,” the statement said.