MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and Puntland state leader, Saed Abdullahi Deni on Friday night met in Somali capital, Mogadishu ahead of the consultative conference on electoral process.

According to the state-owned media, the Prime Minister hosted dinner with Deni arrive on Sunday in Mogadishu for the summit.

Deni was one of the two regional state leaders namely Puntland and Jubbaland states who had been at loggerheads with federal government president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo over electoral process.

The National Consultative Forum, comprising the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMS) which be chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble is expected to kick off on Saturday in Somali capital.

Somalia’s Prime Minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble, who has been asked to chair the conference by President Farmajo, said on Wednesday that he is confident in a positive outcome this time around.

“I am optimistic that it commences smoothly and ends satisfactorily so that the country goes to transparent and mutually agreed upon elections. I am committed to taking all facilitative measures that will lead to the success of this conference,” the premier said.

The International Community also expressed optimism that the talks would result in consensus on the carrying out of elections, and would enhance peace and security in the country.

“We commend Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble for convening the summit and look forward to his continued leadership in the electoral process, including electoral security,” Somalia’s International Partners (SIP) said in a statement.

The group urged Somalia leaders to make constructive compromises to quickly reach an agreement so that the country can swiftly organise elections based on the September 17, 2020 agreement.