The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu has entered its second day, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spearheading pivotal discussions on security and electoral reforms. The high-stakes meeting has gathered Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, his deputy Salah Ahmed Jama, and key leaders from Galmudug, South West, Hir Shabelle, and Banadir. However, the absence of Jubbaland’s President Ahmed Madobe and Puntland’s leader has underscored the persistent divides within Somalia’s political landscape.

President Madobe’s absence from the NCC reflects his commitment to maintaining indirect elections in Jubbaland, in opposition to the federal government’s preference for direct voting. This clash over election methodology highlights the ongoing tension between federal control and regional autonomy, a longstanding issue in Somalia’s governance. Madobe’s position serves as a focal point of contention, emphasizing the regional desire for autonomy in electoral matters against federal ambitions to implement direct voting.

The boycott by Puntland adds a further layer of complexity, impacting both quorum and the consensus-building necessary for national decisions. Puntland’s absence signals deeper concerns over trust, power distribution, and the interpretation of federalism within the nation. While these absences create hurdles, the NCC continues its work, prioritizing security initiatives amid the anticipated transition from ATMIS to the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab.

Despite these challenges, the NCC’s decisions are expected to shape Somalia’s political future significantly. As leaders strive to strengthen federal-regional security strategies, the outcomes of this meeting could redefine election processes and the balance of power between the federal government and regional states. Successfully bridging these divides will be essential to advancing Somalia’s journey toward stability and democratic governance.