Mogadishu, Somalia – President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, extended an invitation to the leaders of Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State on Thursday to participate in a meeting to discuss the “Dialogue Platform” he recently announced.

The meeting, scheduled to take place in Mogadishu on May 1 and 2, will not include the president of Jubbaland. It is intended to address important political issues between the federal government and the member states.

The Somali Presidency clarified to Mogadishu 24 that the invitation is for a separate meeting from the National Consultative Council (NCC) and will focus on the agenda and procedures of the dialogue platform announced by the president.

Puntland’s Presidency also confirmed to Mogadishu 24 receiving the invitation but noted that it was different from the one expected from Villa Somalia. Puntland officials mentioned they are still considering whether to participate in the meeting called by President Hassan Sheikh.

The meeting aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States, and many see it as an opportunity to resolve the ongoing political disputes.

Notably, the President of Jubbaland was not invited to the meeting — a development that underscores the ongoing tensions between Villa Somalia and the Jubbaland administration. Jubbaland authorities reiterated that they officially withdrew from the NCC on October 7, 2024, and are not seeking engagement through Villa Somalia.

“Jubbaland clearly withdrew from the NCC on October 7, 2024, through a responsible and independent decision. If President Hassan forgot, let him be reminded: Jubbaland is not governed from Villa Somalia. It determines its own path,” said Jubbaland Minister of Information, Abdifitah Mukhtar.

This upcoming meeting in Mogadishu could pave the way for a broader national dialogue and strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States — and many view it as an opportunity to resolve the current political tensions.