Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, previously announced by the Federal Government, faces further postponement for the second time, Somali Stream can exclusively confirm.
The meeting, initially scheduled for May 1-2 and then rescheduled for today, Monday, May 5th, now appears uncertain. Sources close to leadership circles within several Federal Member States (FMS) indicate the ongoing impasse raises concerns about potential intervention from the international community, which is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Puntland and Jubaland States had already boycotted the meeting, citing longstanding political disagreements with the Federal Government in Mogadishu. Now, three additional FMS governments previously aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration are also reportedly refusing to attend, deepening the political deadlock.
The failure to convene the council is reportedly hindered by two key issues: internal power-sharing disputes related to the President’s political restructuring efforts, and disagreements over the participation of the newly recognized SSC-Khaatumo administration.
Power-Sharing Disputes within New Political Alignment
President Mohamud’s push for his preferred, controversial direct ‘one person, one vote’ electoral model has reportedly prompted allies to form a new unified political party, involving the dissolution of the President’s former UPD party.
Sources familiar with the situation report that, while federal officials aligned with the President backed the addition of new party members, supportive FMS leaders recommended that the UPD consider a different name and restructured leadership.
Although Galmudug and Hirshabelle leaders remain aligned with President Mohamud, a prior understanding with South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen reportedly stipulated renegotiation of the new party’s structure. House Speaker Sheikh Aden Madobe was reportedly tasked with mediating these sensitive negotiations involving South West.
Sources suggest a proposed leadership slate for the new party features President Mohamud as its presidential candidate, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as Chairman, and Abdirahman Hussein Odowa as Secretary-General. South West State was reportedly offered the Deputy Chairmanship. However, South West leadership allegedly deems this role insufficient, perceiving it as a continuation of power consolidation within the clans holding the federal presidency and prime ministership.
SSC-Khaatumo Participation Controversy
The second significant impediment to convening the meeting is the proposed participation of the recently recognized SSC-Khaatumo administration. This move by the Federal Government reportedly faces strong opposition from the FMS leaders who were expected to attend the forum.
SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdulkadir Ahmed Firdhiye arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday, intending to participate following recent engagement by the Federal Government. However, his potential inclusion is reportedly complicated by renewed disagreements among the other FMS leaders.
The South West administration is said to harbour concerns that admitting SSC-Khaatumo could alter power dynamics within the forum without corresponding representation changes for their own constituent communities.
Galmudug reportedly opposes granting SSC-Khaatumo full decision-making status, fearing it could fuel future instability in northern Galguduud and undermine regional cohesion.
Additionally, Hirshabelle leadership is reportedly wary, potentially concerned about emboldening autonomous movements within its own Hiiraan region, where anti-administration activity remains potent, particularly in Beledweyne.
The failure to convene the NCC, now involving five out of the six main FMS entities (including SSC-Khaatumo as a potential new member), presents a significant political challenge for the Federal Government and underscores the deep fissures within Somalia’s political landscape.