Northeastern State Stays Out of Key Political Meetings, Accuses Federal Member States of Bias

Mogadishu (Sahan Post): As a series of continuous political consultations and alliance-building meetings take place across the country in preparation for Somalia’s upcoming national elections, the Northeastern State administration has criticized recent gatherings held by several Federal Member States, citing exclusion and political alignment concerns.

The administration addressed its absence from the joint meeting held in Mogadishu by South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle leaders, as well as its decision not to attend the Kismayo summit. Northeastern State officials argued that the manner in which the meetings were organized lacked fairness and transparency.

Deputy Minister of Interior for the Northeastern State, Ali Ahmed Ali, accused Presidents Abdiaziz Ahmed “Laftagareen“, Abdi Ahmed “Qoorqoor“, and Ali Guudlaawe of regrouping as a political bloc aligned with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. He contrasted this with the positions of Puntland and Jubbaland, noting that “opposition for its own sake yields no benefit.”

“Federal Member States who met in Mogadishu yesterday, Abdulqadir Ahmed Firdhiye did not attend because every leader knows what serves the interests of his people. Another bloc, Puntland and Jubbaland, is heading to Kismayo. Should we follow them? No—our responsibility is to prioritize the interest of our community,” he said.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the political foundations enabling the three FMS leaders to attain power were established during Farmaajo’s presidency, suggesting that their renewed cooperation reflects old alliances. He predicted they may also attend the Kismayo meeting for the same reason.

“What prevents us from working with President Hassan until the end? If he wins, we remain stakeholders; if he doesn’t, then cooperation with whoever comes to Villa Somalia is still in our people’s best interest.

“The public should question what benefit comes from state administrations that choose to oppose every federal government,” he added.

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