Hirshabelle state has restored its cooperation with the Federal Government after leaders of the federal and the regional state resolved their differences in Mogadishu. In a statement, Hirshabelle said it had reached an agreement with the Federal Government over the concerns previously communicated to the administration of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.. “Following discussions between Hirshabelle leaders (the President, Deputy President and the Speaker of the state’s assembly) and leaders of Federal Federal government, we the happy to note that the concerns of Hirshabelle state have been addressed.”
The Hirshabelle leaders accordingly declared their state would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government. The statement from the regional leader, President Mohamed Abdi Ware’s office further encouraged leaders of Federal Member States to hold talks with the Federal Government in order to iron out their differences. The move comes barely two days after the National Security Council meeting called by President Farmaajo last week failed to take off following a boycot by the regional leaders. The five regional leaders, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas (Puntland), Ahmed Duale Gelle (Galmudug), Mohamed Abdi Ware (Hirshabelle), Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden (South West State) and Sheikh Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland – met under the auspices Council of Interstate Co-operation in Kismayu from September 4 to 8, and resolved to suspend their co-operation with the Federal Government.
In a statement, the leaders expressed concern over the deepening political crisis and growing differences among the major stakeholders of Somalia. They condemned the Federal Government for interfering in the internal affairs of the Federal Member States. . Late last week, the leaders demanded for a “third-party” to mediate between them and the central government. They also requested for a secure venue for the talks, outside of Mogadishu.The move was shot down by the Somali Prime Hassan Ali Kheire, who maintained Somalia had the capacity to can handle its affairs without the intervention of foreigners.
