Mogadishu–On Thursday, the Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to officially open the National Consultative Conference. The conference will be attended by Somali government officials and members of the Somali Future Council, who will discuss ways to resolve the current political standoff over the presidential elections. According to reports, the conference will take place at the Presidential Palace-Villa Somalia, and members of the opposition block, known as the Somali Forum, will also be in attendance. This political forum was formed in December by opposition politicians from the Salvation Forum, Jubaaland, and Puntland leaders. The Presidents of Puntland and Jubaland are expected to attend the meeting as well. It has been reported that the technical committees of both sides, led by Justice Minister Mr. Hassan Ma’alin Mohamud and MP Abdilahi Abukar Haji, also known as Arab, have reached an understanding regarding the venue of the meeting. This comes after two weeks of disagreements between the two sides. Initially, Puntland and Jubaland leaders, who are currently residing in a hotel within the airport compound, campaigned for the meeting to be held outside the Presidential Palace-Villa Somalia. However, it now appears that they have changed their minds and agreed to attend the meeting at Villa Somalia. Prior to the conference, the Somali President hosted a luncheon attended by the Somali Future Council. During this meeting, the two sides agreed that the technical committees would meet first and decide on the venue for the conference. The main topics of discussion at the conference will be the type of election to be held in Somalia, specifically the presidential election, and the process for completing the current constitution. On January 21, the international community endorsed the invitation extended by Somali Prime Minister Mr. Hamze Abdi Barre, who announced the invitation on January 19. It is expected that the conference will take place at Villa Somalia on Thursday, unless it is postponed.
