Mogadishu–Yesterday, the Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, received opposition politicians who are members of the Somali Future Council. The incumbent president officially opened the meeting between the two sides in order to discuss crucial issues that the two sides strongly disagree on. According to the opposition groups, the meeting was attended by ex-Somali President, Mr. Shariif Sheikh Ahmed, Jubaland President, Mr. Ahmed Mohamerd Islam (known as Ahmed Madobe), Puntland President, Mr. Saed Abdilahi Deni, former Somali Prime Ministers, Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble, Mr. Hassan Ali Khayre, Mr. Abdi Shirdon Farah, and other members from the Somali Future Council. The Somali President was accompanied by the Prime Minister, Mr. Hamze Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Salah Ahmed Jama, the Director of Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mr. Mahad Mohamed Salad, and other officials, mostly cabinet ministers. After the reception, the Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, presided over the meeting, discussing the current situation in the country, elections, strengthening unity and togetherness among the Somali population, drought relief efforts, and the fight against extremist groups. MP Abdilahi Abukar Haji (known as Arab), who is responsible for organizing the meeting, said that the only agenda they discussed was the election row. Reliable sources say that the first phase of the meeting wrapped up around afternoon prayer, and the two sides agreed to continue the discussions in the days to come. It is not known when the second phase of the meeting will commence, but technical committees from both sides will work together to ensure the smooth holding of the second phase. This meeting was long-awaited in order for the two sides to reach a resolution on the current election standoff, which will pave the way for holding an agreed-upon election in the country. The upcoming phases of the talks are expected to be tough, as the government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is adamant about holding a one-man, one-vote election in the country and completing the current constitution. The opening of the meeting was full of optimism that a deal would be reached, but people close to the two sides say that there will be a need to make a compromise.
