President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited lawmakers from both houses of the federal parliament for dinner tonight at Villa Somalia.
The invitation seems strategically timed, especially as the National Consultation Forum summit is underway in Mogadishu.
The reported agenda includes a proposal to extend parliament’s session by an additional month before its scheduled closure.
This extension could be aimed at allowing more time for discussions on critical national issues, including the ongoing disagreements over the upcoming election model.
The absence of key federal member state leaders, particularly from Jubaland and Puntland at the NCC, highlights significant divisions regarding electoral frameworks.
These regions have expressed concerns over the proposed poll model, which may lead to delays in reaching consensus during the summit.
The dinner event may provide the President an opportunity to unify parliamentary support and possibly broker an agreement that could address the election-related issues.
It allows him to help bring other federal leaders back to the negotiating table.