GAROWE (KAAB TV) – A day after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s invitation to the leaders of federal member states for a meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC), Puntland State declared its decision not to attend.
Puntland had previously asserted its non-recognition of the federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as legitimate, citing alterations to the constitution.
“Puntland does not recognize the Mogadishu administration as legitimate due to their unconstitutional changes. Therefore, until the legitimate constitution is restored and contentious issues are resolved, we will abstain from the aforementioned meeting,” stated Mohamud Aidid Dirir, Puntland’s Information Minister.
Against a backdrop of strained relations, Hassan Sheikh extended an invitation to Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni to participate in the upcoming National Consultative Council, scheduled for April 20-21 in Mogadishu.
“The meeting will address matters crucial to the nation’s future, including counterterrorism efforts and constitutional finalization,” the invitation highlighted.
Other invitees encompass leaders from Jubaland (President Ahmed Madobe), Southwest (Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen), Galmudug (President Ahmed Abdi Qoorqoor), Hirshabelle (President Ali Abdullahi Gudlawe), and the Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jimale.
However, SSC-Khaatumo was notably absent from the list of invitees, despite being recently granted a two-year temporary recognition as a regional administration.