Somalia President calls for talks to resolve Jubbaland stand off

The State of Jubbaland in southern Somalia has severed ties with the federal government of Somalia following a vote of no confidence on the State Assembly late on Saturday.

Monday, June 8, 2015

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MOGADISHU -- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for dialogue on the political crisis involving the country’s southern state of Jubbaland after the latter threatened to severe ties with federal government.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu, Mohamud called for dialogue to resolve the misunderstanding between the Federal Parliament and the Jubbaland administration government.

"This is not an overnight process; it is not the work of a day or two.

"It is natural that people will have questions and will challenge processes and outcomes - this is a hallmark of democracy.

"But dialogue must seek solutions," said the president.

The development comes three days after Parliament in Mogadishu declared the Jubbaland State Assembly illegal through a no- confidence vote.

The Federal Parliament, through a motion, said the process in which Jubbland State Assembly was constituted was illegal, calling for its dissolution.

But in a swift rejoinder, Jubbaland said it is cutting off ties with the Federal government, threatening a political implosion given the significance of Jubbaland, not only for Somalia but for regional countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia that see it as crucial for its war on terror.

The president said federalization process was the work in progress and bound to encounter such challenges.

However, he said, there are clear constitutional mechanisms to resolve conflicts of such nature.

He called for dialogue and speedy resolution to ensure the federalization process, and preparations for the elections in 2016 is not hampered.

"I urge all parties to bring all issues to the table in order that we can together work through them and find a lasting resolution.

"My commitment is that the federal government of Somalia will remain at the table until all issues are solved," he said.

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