Somali state leaders meeting in Galmudug’s capital Dhusamareb have focused their opening speeches on the upcoming 2020/21 elections. Galmudug President, Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoor Qoor, who is hosting the conference and who spoke first, said that the country has had elections and a peaceful transfer of power every four years in the recent past and that it was important to ensure this time is no different.
Puntland President, Said Abdullahi Deni toned down his criticism of the federal government in his speech, urging leaders in Mogadishu not to view the Dhusamareb conference negatively. He called for a political environment in the country that is based on respect and consultation and said the dispute between the federal government and regional states must be resolved.
South West President, Abdiaziz Laftagaren welcomed the recent comments on the election by the country’s president and prime minister, agreeing with them that the elections must happen on schedule and in line with the provisional constitution.
