We’re not aware of failed poll talks, Deni, Madobe respond
GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The allied Jubbaland-Puntland axis has lamented what it termed as a smear campaign by the Federal Government painting them as obstacles to the electoral talks adding that it is not aware that the preliminary talks have collapsed.
In a sharp rejoinder Wednesday night following a rushed statement by the Federal Government by late afternoon, both Ahmed Madobe (Jubbaland) and Abdullahi Deni of Puntland said they were taken aback by the remarks of Information Minister Osman Dubbe and the subsequent statement which appeared on the government-controlled news agency, SONNA.
“It is unfortunate that the Minister of Information of the Federal Government has issued a statement that appears to have been prepared in advance, stating that the meeting failed,” the two leaders said noting that the remarks were an excuse to secure the Federal Government lead3ers continued to stay in power.
“Once again, Puntland and Jubaland share with the Somali people and the international community that they are unaware of a failed conference, are ready to agree on the outcome of the conference, and will continue to contribute to the resolution of peaceful elections in the country [as] agreed, based on the agreement of 17 September 2020.”
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The Federal Government released a statement on SONNA at about 5 pm yesterday pointing fingers at Madobe and Deni. “The government is making it clear to the Somali people today that the two regional presidents of Puntland and Jubaland do not want elections to take place in this country based on the September 17th agreement and the February 16th memorandum of understanding,” a statement published on SONNA immediately after the failed talks read in part.
The accusations and counter-accusations now take the country back to the drawing board and casts a dark shadow on prospects for an election any time soon.
Today marks two months since the term of Farmaajo as president of the Federal Republic of Somalia ended.