A section of leaders concluded the National Consultative Council (NCC) without the involvement of Jubaland and Puntland states, highlighting deep divisions within Somalia’s leadership and potential fallout ahead of the next elections…Among the issues discussed by the leadership were supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants and armed groups…Also discussed is the controversial electoral process, with the leaders agreeing to intensify voter registration, which was recently launched in Mogadishu. The registration, they said, shall spiral to federal states. The National Independent Electoral Commission was tasked with scaling operations, while regional authorities were urged to ensure smooth local coordination. It is this thorny electoral process that forced Jubaland and Puntland to boycott the sitting. Further, the leadership recognised the SSC-Khatumo region as a federal state, a few weeks after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre made the declaration during his inaugural trip. The leaders agreed to fast-track the process of recognition…The interior ministry was tasked with resolving the impasse between Jubaland and Puntland and the federal government. (Garowe Online)