Four opposition political parties have issued a statement about the political situation in the country, after two days consultations in Mogadishu. The parties deliberated on the latest developments and the measures taken by the Federal Government.

The official communique by Wadajir, Daljir, Horusocod and Kulan parties covers 22 articles ahead of the Brussels conference, which is expected to commence today. The communique, a copy of which has been delivered to Brussels, condemns the latest Al-Shabaab attacks on government premises and civilian areas, which have resulted in deaths and injuries to innocent civilians.

The statement also weighs in on the closure of main roads and restrictions imposed on civilians, saying it had affected the daily lives of the people and their businesses. The parties are concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression imposed by the Federal Government on politicians. They described as, violation of constitutional rights in a nascent democracy, the ban on political gatherings.

The parties also expressed concern over the escalation of the dispute between the Federal Government and the regional states with regard to the recent nomination of the 43rd Division Somali National Army without consulting the Jubbaland authority. They claim the move is a violation of the Article 20 of the National Security Plan. The parties have also condemned the Federal Government for stopping a planned meeting of 28th January this year aimed at discussing the status of the capital.