Somalia: Minister Hosh in Baidoa for constitutional review talks

BAIDOA, Somalia- Somalia’s Minister of Constitutional affairs Abdirahman Hosh Jibril and a delegate he was leading arrived in Baidoa, the interim capital of Southwest on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

Minister Hosh accompanied by senior officials from his Ministry and experts, held meeting with acting Southwest President and Minister of disarmament and rehabilitation, Hassan Hussein Minister Jibril at the State Palace in Baidoa town.

During the talks, both sides agreed to open a wider consultative forum in Baidoa on 10th July to debate on constitutional review process, with attendance of Southwest officials and civil society members.

While briefing local Media at the State House, the Minister said he is committed of reaching the ongoing consultations on the constitution across the country, especially regional administrations.

“We are in Baidoa on a mission to hold consultative meeting with Southwest administration officials and local people over the constitutional review,” said Minister Hosh.

The Minister, along with high level Federal government delegates are on visits to the parts of the country, gathering positions of the regional states in regard to the constitutional review process. 

However, politicians and members of Somali Parliament voiced concern over the Minister’s plan, accusing him of taking over the job of parliamentary committees, and Federal states representatives tasked with the constitutional amendment procedures.

Last month, Hosh visited to Somalia’s northwestern semi-autonomous region of Puntland, and he held meetings with President Abdiweli Gaas, officials and civil society members in Garowe.

The Somali provincial constitution has been under review after repeated complaints submitted by the regional administrations which call for consultations before implementing public referendum.

GAROWEONLINE