Somalia leaders agree to form technical committees for security, elections

The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting has concluded in Mogadishu with federal and regional leaders agreeing on a five-point communique that focuses on security and elections.

The NCC agreed to a political agreement on delineating powers at the federal and regional levels. However, Puntland refused to sign. The Council has applauded the security forces’ continued offensive against Al Shabaab.

The federal and regional leaders also suggested that the offensive would soon extend to Southwest State and Jubbaland. The NCC resolved to form a technical committee to complete the 2017 National Security Architecture, which clarified the size and distribution of security forces and the command and control structures within and between them.

The leaders agreed that the committee would be formed by January 10, 2023, and would make recommendations and present a comprehensive report. They also agreed to appoint a committee to prepare recommendations for delivering universal elections in Somalia.