Mogadishu (SD) – The office of Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has issued a statement regarding a Zoom meeting last night between members of the National Consultative Council.

According to the statement issued by the office of the Prime Minister, the parties agreed to immediately begin the election of Senators for the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, which was scheduled to begin yesterday.

“Through virtual meeting, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble convenes the leaders of the National Consultative Forum, comprising the FGS ,FMS and BRA and urged them to hold the elections for the Upper House as soon as possible, as today was the deadline to start the elections.”

The Prime Minister and other regional leaders also praised Galmudug state for their fight against Al-Shabaab, which has been raging in the eastern and southern regions of Mudug and Galgadud in recent days.

“The National Consultative Council commends the President and the people of Galmudug for the ongoing operations by the National Army in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists in Galmudug, and expresses their full support.” The statement said.

Earlier reports said PM Roble and regional leaders could not agree on a number of issues, including the dispute between members representing the northern regions in the FGS and other issues.

The election of the members of the federal upper house parliament has been scheduled to take place yesterday, with regional state governments reluctant to start holding elections for the Upper House.