BREAKING NEWS: DIALOGUE BETWEEN HEADS OF FMSs RESTORED IN MOGADISHU

There is a movement towards resolution of the electoral impasse in Somalia – Heads of Federal Member States (FMSs) were engaged in sessions in the past few days to break the ice in the breakdown of communication between them and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. They are not out of the woods yet, but, based on Somali culture, once dialogue gets started, there is high chance of a breakthrough in the talks.

There are two factors still unclear. 1. Would Farmajo join FMSs to conclude the talks successfully. 2. Will the Parliament Sessions in the next few days complicate the situation and hinder progress towards resolving the current political gridlock.

Right now, the focus is on Farmajo, and whether he will listen to the advice of his team, some of which are warning him against attempting to extend his mandate through illegitimate means in Parliament. They are in session tonight to work out a strategy. The situation will get clearer within the next two days. Stay tuned.

PS: Since posting this article, there were reports from Mogadishu saying this Monday’s planned session of the Federal Parliament was called off in anticipation of a breakthrough in the talks. The postponement also prevents potential disarray and violence in Parliament by opposition MPs, some of whom were suspended unilaterally by the House Speaker Mursal under pressure from Farmajo. So much for equal co-branch of the Government.