Five presidents of the federal states of Somalia have come together to put pressure on the president to deliver on his promises.
They have formed the Council for the Co-operation of Federal Member States of Somalia, even though the country already has the National Leaders’ Council that also includes them and President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo.
This is the only organ that makes decisions on issues that affect relations between regions and the centre.
Adam Isaac Yarow, Somalia’s Deputy Minister for Information told The EastAfrican that the speeches of the regional leaders at the Kismayu meeting were overly critical of the centre on various issues. He said the government believes that its main objective is to gang up against the federal government.
“The federal government is willing to resolve any issues with the regional states in an amicable manner and in accordance with the National Constitution,” said Mr Yarow.
The council held a two-day meeting in Kismayu, the capital of Jubbaland State beginning September 4, during which they castigated the government for failing in the fight against Al Shabaab and the legislation process.