Somalia: National Security meeting in Mogadishu cancelled

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online) – The National Security Council meeting which was scheduled to hold on September 16-17th in Mogadishu capital has been cancelled amid an ongoing political stalemate in Somalia.

The meeting which brings together the Federal and State leadership was intended to discuss wide range of issues including all working relationships and war on Al Shabaab and ISIL groups in Somalia.

The National Security Council meeting was postponed over insecurity issues suggested by all regional leaders.

“We can not come into Mogadishu, because the capital is safe for us”, said a memo obtained by Caasimada Online.

Somalia could be split into six regions after five regional federal states announced that they would no longer co-operate with Mogadishu until their grievances about insecurity, sharing of natural resources and the interference by the central government in their affairs are addressed.

Following the August 8 announcement, Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo has called a National Security Council meeting on September 17 which is expected to deliberate on the future of the federal nation.

In an apparent response to regional leaders, Somali PM⁩ Hassan Ali Khaire has rejected suggestions that Mogadishu isn’t safe for Somali leaders to meet.

However, Somali PM has also refused calls for “third-party” mediation as requested by the regional leaders over the latest political rifts.

UN says the decision by the five regional presidents could embolden Al Shabaab and negate the gains made by the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Caasimada Online
Mogadishu News Desk
Caasimada@live.com