MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – A meeting between Somalia’s federal and regional leaders is set to kick off in the capital Mogadishu on Monday, Caasimada Online news website reported, amid escalating political wrangling and tensions over term extensions.
Four regional leaders, including those of Hirshabelle, Southwest, Galmudug and Jubaland arrived in the city to attend the meeting which will be held at the request of Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
It comes days after clashes broke out in the southern Somali town of Baidoa between rival forces separately allied with the federal government and Southwest State, leaving more than 10 people dead.
The leaders are expected to discuss tensions over term extensions for a number of regional presidents, including those of Jubaland, Southwest, Hirshabelle and Galmudug. The federal government has not yet expressed its stance on the moves by the state leaders despite growing opposition and calls for president Mohamud to step in.
The federal government and regional states are also expected to discuss disputes over sharing resources and development aid.
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