MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Talks between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Future Council were delayed for a second consecutive day on Saturday after negotiations that opened Thursday at the presidential palace stalled over a series of contentious issues, with both sides holding firmly to their positions.
The federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is insisting that universal suffrage elections be conducted in local municipalities nationwide. The Somali Future Council – whose members include the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland, as well as opposition leaders – is demanding instead that presidential elections in Southwest, Hirshabelle and Galmudug be held first, followed by elections for the federal Parliament and the presidency before May 15.
Following the opening session at Villa Somalia, both delegations adjourned to consult internally before resuming negotiations. The Somali Future Council is expected to meet on Saturday to clarify its strategy for the next round of talks.
The negotiations are taking place under mounting international pressure, particularly from the United States, the European Union and the United Nations. Both sides agreed to enter discussions largely in response to that pressure, fueling concerns that the talks could collapse if neither party shows a willingness to compromise.
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