MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Consultative Council (NCC) summit, scheduled to commence in Mogadishu on Saturday, has been postponed by the federal government following the withdrawal of two regional leaders from attending the meeting.
A statement from the office of the Prime Minister confirmed the summit’s cancellation, citing technical reasons, and announced its postponement for a brief period.
Sources have indicated that the decision to postpone the meeting is a result of a significant political dispute involving leaders of two regional governments, who were previously aligned with the federal government.
The summit was anticipated to address critical matters such as counter-terrorism efforts and finalizing the country’s constitution.
Notably, the Puntland regional state had already declined participation in the summit, citing its non-recognition of the federal government. Puntland Minister of Information Mohamud Aydid Dirir emphasized that Puntland would only negotiate constitutional matters if the federal government adhered to legal frameworks.
This postponement has raised concerns about the stability of Somalia’s political landscape and the ability of the federal government to effectively engage with regional leaders.
The NCC summit, a crucial platform for dialogue and decision-making on national issues, is now on hold, potentially impacting the progress of various initiatives and reforms in the country.
As the situation develops, the federal government and regional leaders will need to navigate the complexities of their political disagreements to ensure that the postponed summit can take place successfully, allowing for the continuation of important discussions and decision-making processes that are vital to Somalia’s future.