MOGADISHU (SD) – A consultative meeting between leaders of the Somali government and its member states has today resumed in the Somali capital barely a day after the sides failed to agree on the main agenda for a crucial electoral summit.

In a statement, the Somali information ministry said the leaders have gathered in Afisyoni hall to attend an ice-breaking meeting paving the way for the electoral talks.

“Preliminary talks between Federal Government of Somalia and regional authorities have begun in Mogadishu today. Somalia’s President HE. Farmaajo is chairing the meeting,” the ministry said.

The agenda-setting meeting that brought together president Farmajo, his prime minister, Mogadishu mayor and regional leaders from Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest states at the ‘Big Tent,’ a large makeshift structure inside the heavily-guarded airport perimeter, was suspended on Monday after the leaders disagreed the points to be discussed.

On Tuesday, the international community urged the leaders to resolve their differences and make the necessary compromises in order to ensure that credible, timely, and peaceful elections can be held without further delay to allow Somalia to move forward.

“Noting the importance of the planned FGS-FMS summit, international partners urge that this Somali-led and Somali-owned dialogue lead to the resolution of all outstanding issues and permit implementation of the September 17 electoral process. Such an agreement, symbolizing unity, compassion, and care for others, would demonstrate leadership and concern for the Somali nation and offer a special Ramadan gift to the people of Somalia,” the statement reads in part.

In a separate statement, National Economic Advisors (NEA) has warned against the downturn of hardly gained achievement, calling on the leaders to urgently resolve the ongoing political standoff.

“The current political crisis engulfing Somalia does not only affect the functions of the NEC,
but it could also represent the most severe threat to the integrity of our nation in a
generation,” the statement read in part. “The limited socio-economic progress that has been attained painfully and slowly in the past few years will be reversed.”