AMISOM to secure poll talks in Mogadishu-Madeira

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has said it will provide security to the electoral talks within the airport area allaying fears that the Federal Government was intent on taking control following changES in security command of the airport.

AMISOM head Francisco Madeira said Sunday evening he had assured all the Federal Member State leaders that the AU force will be in command of security within the Halane base camp where the talks open today.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) will guarantee security before, during and after the meeting, a statement from AMISOM noted.

“I wish to assure all Somali leaders, the public and other stakeholders that AMISOM, in coordination with its partners, has put in place the necessary measures to ensure that the meeting takes place in a conducive, secure and peaceful environment in which all parties feel comfortable to participate.” Ambassador Madeira said.

The opposition alliance National Salvation Forum (NSF)( had warned Saturday that outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo had deployed the paramilitary Harama’ad forces under the command of controversial Banaadir regional police chief Sadak John in the airport and removed the customs police. According to NSF, Farmaajo planned to deploy the forces at the venue of the meeting.

Meanwhile, the talks are expected to kick off today but initial reports indicate that Jubbaland and Puntland presidents will not be attending the talks.