Mogadishu (WDN)- The Chairman of the Himilo Qaran Party and former Somali President during the Transitional Federal Government, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has issued a press statement confirming that he held a high-level meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. According to the statement, the discussions covered personal matters as well as the broader political situation, including the meeting called under the Future Forum umbrella by Puntland, Jubaland, and Mogadishu-based opposition groups.

The Himilo Qaran Party said President Hassan Sheikh expressed his agreement in principle to convene a national consultation conference initiated by the Future Forum. The president reportedly requested that Sheikh Sharif play a leading role in ensuring the success of the conference and in steering the process toward a nationally agreed political settlement.

Sheikh Sharif is said to have accepted the request, reaffirming his readiness to do whatever is necessary to help resolve Somalia’s deepening political differences and avert further instability.

It is important to note that President Hassan has in the past convened several meetings; however, some opposition figures told WardheerNews that they believe he is not genuinely interested in a meaningful political dialogue to resolve the ongoing political deadlock as his term nears its end, viewing these meetings instead as aimed primarily to polish his image, creating the appearance of seeking dialogue and a political agreement.

Nevertheless, Somalia is widely feared to be heading toward renewed political uncertainty and potential chaos if a consensual political process is not reached ahead of the Future Forum call of meeting scheduled for January 20, many observers view as the possible launch of a parallel political process.

WardheerNews