MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government has imposed a stringent condition on the participation of Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe in the upcoming National Consultative Council meeting, after excluding him from the list of invitees.
Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Ismail Fartag, stated that Madobe would only be allowed to attend the meeting if he invalidates the controversial election in which he secured a third term in office late last year. The federal government has refused to recognize the re-election, heightening tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland.
Fartag emphasized that nullifying the election was a prerequisite for Madobe’s re-entry into the dialogue, despite mounting international calls for a broader national consensus involving regional leaders and political stakeholders. The focus of the discussions is to address critical issues, including the forthcoming elections and the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Additionally, the government confirmed plans to conduct municipal elections in six locations across the Gedo region and two in Lower Juba. It warned that any efforts by Madobe to obstruct these initiatives would be met with further action.
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