Somalia Parliament concludes debate on four constitutional chapters

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The bicameral House in Somalia has concluded the first four chapters of the proposed amendments to the constitution, despite growing rebellion from former leaders, including Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo.

On Saturday, legislators discussed four chapters in the proposed Constitution during the 29th session in the capital Mogadishu. The debate was activated in February and it took 40 days before it was concluded by legislators even in the middle of divisions.

Several changes were effected during the debate following errors that may have been committed after the legislations were drafted. Puntland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of complacency, arguing that consultations were not made.

Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nor Madobe, the Speaker of the Lower House, said the committee in charge will summarise recommendations and suggestions made by lawmakers before giving the final report with the next phase poised to be the most challenging.

Already, former Somali Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed reiterated their firm stance against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's plans to amend the country's Constitution, which they said threatened the sovereignty and unity of the Somali people.

The two former leaders who held meetings in Garowe, accused Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of veering off the track, adding that there is a need for respect for the rule of law. Like Puntland leadership, they insist proper channels have not been adopted in constitutional implementation.

In their statement, they asked Speaker Madobe and legislators to avoid anything that divides the unity and solidarity of the Somali people and to stop the unilateral process of changing the country's Constitution. They called for more participation before the final draft was passed.

The National Consultative Committee except for Puntland had suggested scrapping of parliamentary leadership in favour of the presidential system. The president, some of the proposals noted, will pick a running and face electorates in universal suffrage polls.

GAROWE ONLINE