FGS postpones National Consultative Council meeting amid political disputes

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has postponed the highly anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was scheduled to begin on Thursday in the capital, Mogadishu, amid growing political tensions with several Federal Member States.

In a statement issued Wednesday night the Office of the Prime Minister announced that the meeting would now be held on Monday, 5 May 2025, following consultations among national leaders.

“The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was officially scheduled to open in Mogadishu tomorrow, has been postponed following consultations among national leaders, who agreed that the meeting will now take place on Monday, May 5, 2025,” the statement read.

The NCC serves as a vital platform for dialogue between the FGS and Federal Member States, focusing on key national issues such as security, elections, and constitutional reforms.

The postponement follows an announcement by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, who said his administration would not attend the meeting unless disagreements over constitutional amendments were resolved.

Similarly, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe is also expected to miss the meeting after the FGS demanded he reverse his re-election, which Mogadishu does not recognise, as a condition for participation.

The ongoing standoff between the federal government and some regional leaders comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces growing pressure to convene inclusive national dialogue on critical issues, including disputed elections and the country’s security trajectory.