MOGADISHU, Somalia – Mohamud Aidid Dirir, the Minister of Information for Puntland, has voiced strong criticism regarding the National Consultative Council (NCC) meetings held since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed office in 2022.
In a statement that has stirred political waters, Dirir described these meetings as “tumultuous and unproductive,” emphasizing that they have failed to produce any significant outcomes in terms of state-building, political reform, or governmental advancements for Somalia.
The NCC, intended as a forum for dialogue between the federal government and the regional states, has been under scrutiny for its effectiveness, especially amidst ongoing security challenges and political frictions within the country. Dirir’s comments come at a time when expectations were high for the NCC to address critical issues like the fight against Al-Shabaab, electoral reforms, and the broader framework of federalism in Somalia.
This criticism underscores the deep-seated tensions between federal and regional authorities, with Puntland often at odds with the central government over issues of autonomy, resource sharing, and security responsibilities. The minister’s remarks also reflect a broader sentiment of impatience among regional leaders and the populace for tangible progress in stabilizing and developing the nation.
Despite the NCC’s ongoing sessions, including a recent one that saw the withdrawal of Jubbaland’s leader Ahmed Madobe, highlighting internal rifts, there has been little to show in terms of concrete decisions or implemented policies that could move Somalia towards greater unity and effective governance.
The statement by Dirir not only challenges the effectiveness of President Mohamud’s approach to national dialogue but also casts a shadow over the upcoming NCC sessions, questioning their relevance and capacity to foster the much-needed reconciliation and development in Somalia. This critique adds to the complex political landscape of Somalia, where governance, security, and state-building remain contentious and unresolved issues.
HORN LIFE
