17- April-2024

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has scheduled a National Consultative Council (NCC) summit for federal and regional leaders on April 21-22 in Mogadishu. The meeting will address major national issues.

Invitations were sent earlier this week to the heads of the Federal Member States: Puntland, Jubbaland, South West, Galmudug, and HirShabelle. The Mayor of Mogadishu, who also holds the position of Governor of the Benadir Regional Administration, was also invited.

The agenda for the summit includes discussions on counter-terrorism efforts and the completion of the country’s constitution. These issues were emphasized in the president’s invitation letters, setting the tone for the summit.

The participation of Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, remains uncertain due to ongoing tensions with the federal government. These strains follow recent constitutional amendments by President Mohamud, which were met with opposition from Puntland.

On March 30, Somalia’s bicameral federal parliament ratified amendments to the first four revised sections of the 15-chapter provisional constitution.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud approved these amendments the following day. The revisions enhance the president’s powers and promote the adoption of direct universal suffrage for the next national elections. However, Puntland immediately withdrew its recognition of the federal government, citing inadequate consultation on the changes.

Puntland also declared its intention to function independently until these constitutional amendments are ratified in a national referendum.

It is also unclear whether SSC-Khatumo leaders will attend, as they have not received a formal invitation. The region has been campaigning for SSC-Khatumo’s recognition as an official Federal Member State.