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The attack took place shortly after negotiators failed to end a stalemate over the selection of a new president. Islamist terror group Al-Shabaab took responsibility for the attack near the town of Dhusamareeb.
Somali leaders have failed to end a stalemate over the selection of a new president scheduled for next week, government officials said on Saturday, raising the risk of more political turmoil.
By T. Roble
GOOBJOOG NEWS|DHUSAMAREB: Somalia is waking up this morning to an aura of uncertainty after eight men sitting in Dhusamareb for the last three days failed to unlock the ongoing electoral gridlock amid high expectations locally and internationally.
President Mohamed Farmaajo returned to Mogadishu Friday night empty-handed after a meeting he chaired which brought together the leaders of the five Federal Member States and Banaadir Regional Administration stood ground on its demands.
The failed talks are a disappointment to the country which was banking on the eight leaders to resolve their disputes and let elections take place.
GOOBJOOG NEWS|DHUSAMAREB: President Mohamed Farmaajo and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe have traded accusations over the failure of the electoral talks in Dhusamareb which have plunged the country into uncertainty with no resolution on sight.
Information Minister Osman Dube last night absolved the president of any wrong down and instead directed blame at Madobe whom he described as the stumbling block in breaking the electoral impasse.
According to Dube, the Jubbaland leader wanted to force the government to withdraw the administration in Gedo noting that cannot happen given the fragile situation occasioned by the recent fighting in Bula Hawo that killed at least ten people.