Puntland (Dawan Africa) — The Puntland State of Somalia has declared it will not participate in the National Dialogue Conference, "Gogosha," scheduled for June 15, unless key preconditions are met by the Federal Government.
In an official statement released Tuesday, Puntland outlined three specific demands:
The Federal Government must return to the provisional constitution as agreed upon in August 2012.
A new National Consultation Forum must be established, as the previous body has, according to Puntland, turned into a political party.
There must be consensus on a fair and inclusive electoral process acceptable to all stakeholders across the country.
“We will not sit with you until you return to the framework of law and governance,” said Puntland’s Minister of Justice, Mohamed Abdiwahab.
In response, the Federal Government dismissed any form of preconditions. Somalia’s Minister of Constitution and Justice, Hassan Moallim, who also chairs the organizing committee for the upcoming dialogue, emphasized that all national issues will be discussed at the table without prior demands.
“We accepted the call for dialogue in good faith, but no preconditions can be imposed. The national conversation must remain open to all perspectives,” Minister Moallim stated.
The disagreement highlights growing tensions between the Federal Government and Puntland amid efforts to resolve Somalia’s political impasse through inclusive dialogue.
