MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Technical committees representing Somalia’s opposition Somali Future Council and the federal government held their first meeting on Wednesday, ahead of talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders scheduled to begin on 1 February.
The federal government delegation was led by the Minister of Justice, Hassan Moalim, while the opposition committee was headed by former education minister Abdullahi Arab.
Discussions focused on paving the way for a high-level meeting of the Somali Future Council leadership – which includes the presidents of Puntland, Jubaland and opposition figures – and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The two sides reached agreement on the venue for the talks, security arrangements for the Puntland and Jubaland presidents, and how to resolve legal obstacles surrounding their arrival in Mogadishu.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, both sides agreed that the Halane camp in Mogadishu would host the meeting. The opposition had argued that the base camp, which houses foreign diplomatic missions and is protected by African Union troops, offers reliable security and is overseen by forces independent of the federal government.
They also agreed on security arrangements during the stay of the Puntland and Jubaland leaders in the capital. Their personal security details will be responsible for their protection, coordinating with federal security agencies to avoid any clashes.
As a confidence-building measure, the committees discussed lifting a court warrant issued by a federal court in Mogadishu for the arrest of Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe. Officials representing the federal government said the judiciary is considering lifting the warrant, although reports suggest the Banadir court is hesitant, citing concerns about reputational damage. President Mohamud, however, is said to be firmly in favour of lifting the warrant.
The most contentious issue during Wednesday’s meeting was the constitutional amendments being pursued by the federal government. The matter prompted lengthy debate, but government representatives insisted it should be left for the leaders of both sides to address directly.
The committees also agreed that areas where there is no dispute between the two sides – including national security, the fight against Al-Shabaab and the ongoing drought – should be reflected in the final communiqué to be issued after the forthcoming meeting between the Somali Future Council and the federal government.
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