Stalled Politics and Division: Puntland will not engage NCC meeting called for by Hassan Sheikh

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Stalled Politics and Division: Puntland will not engage NCC meeting called for by Hassan Sheikh

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) - The administration of Hassan Sheikh in Mogadishu has encountered yet another impasse amidst the escalating divisions within the country.

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FILE PHOTO: Puntland president Said Abdullahi Deni receives a guard of honour from police custodial corps in Garowe.

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) - The administration of Hassan Sheikh in Mogadishu has encountered yet another impasse amidst the escalating divisions within the country.

A day after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's invitation to the leaders of federal member states for a meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC), Puntland State declared its decision not to attend.

Puntland had previously asserted its non-recognition of the federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as legitimate, citing alterations to the constitution.

"Puntland does not recognize the Mogadishu administration as legitimate due to their unconstitutional changes. Therefore, until the legitimate constitution is restored and contentious issues are resolved, we will abstain from the aforementioned meeting," stated Mohamud Aidid Dirir, Puntland's Information Minister.

Against a backdrop of strained relations, Hassan Sheikh extended an invitation to Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni to participate in the upcoming National Consultative Council, scheduled for April 20-21 in Mogadishu.

"The meeting will address matters crucial to the nation's future, including counterterrorism efforts and constitutional finalization," the invitation highlighted.

Other invitees encompass leaders from Jubaland (President Ahmed Madobe), Southwest (Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen), Galmudug (President Ahmed Abdi Qoorqoor), Hirshabelle (President Ali Abdullahi Gudlawe), and the Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jimale.

However, SSC-Khaatumo was notably absent from the list of invitees, despite being recently granted a two-year temporary recognition as a regional administration.

The fragmentation within the Somali political landscape appears to be deepening, carrying significant ramifications. Following Puntland's declaration of its intention to function as an independent state, recent reports indicate that Southwest, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug are contemplating similar paths due to discontent with Hassan Sheikh's administration in Mogadishu.

Four regional states in Somalia, Galmudug, Jubbaland, Southwest and Hirshabelle are now poised to conduct their own elections, with each state leader expressing a desire to retain power.