Thursday October 3, 2024
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud walks with Federal Member State (FMS) leaders during the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu. The leaders gathered to discuss critical national issues, including security, governance, and regional cooperation, amidst growing political tensions with Puntland. CREDIT/ Villa Somalia
Mogadishu (HOL) — Thursday marks the final day of Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, where federal and regional leaders are addressing the fight against Al-Shabaab and future governance amid rising tensions with Puntland.
The two-day gathering, led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focuses on intensifying the fight against Al-Shabaab. The militant group, described by the Somali government as "Khawarij" (deviants), has been waging a bloody insurgency since 2007. Despite recent gains by the federal government, Al-Shabaab continues to launch attacks, destabilizing the country and hindering development efforts.
"Unity and swift action are crucial in defeating this threat," President Mohamud emphasized during his opening remarks on Wednesday. Federal leaders and their regional counterparts aim to formulate a more cohesive security strategy to accelerate the military campaign against the group.
The meeting has dragged Somalia's internal political rifts into the open, and Deni's empty chair is the elephant in the room. A key player in Puntland's push for greater autonomy, The Puntland President has refused to attend, citing deep grievances over resource allocation and political representation. His absence underscores the challenges of building a united federal system in Somalia, where regional autonomy frequently clashes with national authority.
These political divisions are particularly problematic as Somalia prepares for upcoming federal and state elections. With Puntland's absence, the NCC's ability to foster unity and resolve conflicts will be critical for the country's political stability.
Another key issue under discussion is the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), expected to begin in early 2025. The Somali government has insisted that Ethiopian troops will be excluded from this new mission, a move that has further strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Ethiopia's role in Somalia has been a standing point of contention following its recent Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which granted Ethiopia access to Somaliland's Red Sea coastline. The agreement has been met with fierce opposition from Somalia's federal government.