Mogadishu (SD) – The Somalia Partnership Forum has opened in Mogadishu today, with the participation of the Federal Government, regional governments and the international community.

Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble speaking at the Forum said he would welcome anyone with concerns and is willing to sit down with them.

“Any Somali who has complaints about the election and its process, I welcome and will sit down with. No one bigger than all Somalis, one person’s opinion and aspirations are not greater than all of Somalia, ”said Prime Minister Roble, adding that the rule of law must be upheld.

This was followed by criticism from Jubaland and Puntland regional state leaders, using the platform for political theater.

Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, speaking at an SPF meeting, said the election was critical at the moment, citing challenges to the agreement reached in Mogadishu in September.

“When the other administrations like Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West will hold their elections in two places. Will Jubbaland hold elections in one place? Let’s define Jubbaland situation. We want the federal government to issue a statement saying we have taken over Gedo, giving reasons,” said Ahmed Madobe.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni also addressed the Somalia Partnership Forum, participating via Zoom Online.

Said Deni called on the federal government to withdraw its troops from Gedo region, so that Jubbaland can hold elections there.

He also addressed the concerns of the Electoral Commissions, and called for the Northern Electoral Commission to be inclusive and consultative, with stakeholder members from Somaliland.

Galmudug and Southwest state leaders presented more reasonable points of view on the election issues.

Speaking at the Somalia Co-operation Forum, the President of Galmudug Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor called for the avoidance of any obstacles to the agreement, and for the co-operation of the election to be effective, efficient and transparent.

South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Gareen) speaking at SPF today addressed the election issues saying that grievances need to be resolved and he will be part of the solution.

President of the Southwest, said he does not see any reason for Abdi Hashi to claim he should appoint the Northern committees, as the election agreement says the country’s PM gets to appoint them.

The Southwest state president said the Gedo issue should be resolved through a reconciliation process, as per the election agreement.

In summary, Somali leaders did not make the most of today’s conference, which was attended by officials from the international community.