Somalia leaders call for Brussels pledges review at Garowe Conference

GAROWE, Somalia, May 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia President along with Federal Member states leaders has called for review into $2.4bn pledge by donors at Brussels conference as the country’s economic recovery continues to run slow, Garowe Online reports.

In a seven-point agreement jointly signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Puntland’s Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Jubaland leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan of Southwest state administration, the leaders expressed discontent over the deliveries of EU pledges in the fall of 2013.

“[Parties have] agreed on communal discontent over New Deal, and call for review of reconstruction programme,” Somalia leaders said at the end of intense conference that dragged into Saturday from Thursday.

Al thought status of Mudug blocked the progress of conference late on Thursday, officials representing Mogadishu-based Federal Government, Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest state released a communiqué touching on implementation of previous agreements, Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC), formation of federal member states, Vision 2016, Security, management of natural resources and decentralization.

Implementation of previous agreements

While welcoming the little progress being made in the agreements, largely clinched by Somalia’s Federal Government and Puntland, all sides gave green light to the establishment of joint committee which would have representatives from Mogadishu, Garowe, Kismayo and Baidoa.

“Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) and Federal Member States agreed to the speeding up and implementation of previous deals by the parties,” read the joint communiqué. “Henceforth, to pave the way to the realization of this endeavor, it was acceded to the nomination of joint committee which will work on the harmonization of such agreements”.

Constitution and Federalism

Mogadishu-based Federal Government and federated states expressed readiness in the completion of Constitutional Review Commission members and oversight committee for the Provisional Federal Constitution.

The conference did not address grave concerns regarding clauses and articles that have allegedly been tampered with according to Puntland.

President Ali said at the launching of the forum on Thursday that Puntland remains steadfast to the Constitution approved by stakeholders including the guarantor, United Nations Political Office for Somalia.

Vision 2016

On the framework for action, four parties announced that transparent and free elections will take place in the country by 2016 amidst growing skepticism.

Seeking inclusivity in the approaches towards the realization of the vision 2016, Somalia government and member states stressed that stakeholders will together steer the vision.

Formation of Federal Member states

“The formation of federal member states should be as enshrined in the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC),” the agreement unveiled.

Despite invitations extended to clan elders representing North Mudug and deadlock over the dissolution of central state technical committee, Somalia government and regional states agreed that North Mudug delegates can’t attend ongoing Adado conference whatsoever.

The split of Mudug region into North and South was ratified in accordance with the deal signed by former Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed and Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali in December 2014.

Security

The four-party agreement called for the immediate deployment of 3000 soldiers by the northeastern state of Puntland: “Parties yield assent to the agreement in which Federal Government of Somalia Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and Puntland Government President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali allotted 3000 soldiers for Somali National Army (SNA)”.

Mogadishu-based Federal Government pledged support for Puntland’s fight against Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants in Galgala, raising alarming concern over possible infiltration of terror elements from Yemen.

National Government, Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest Administration said they will prepare a scheme to liberate areas remaining under the control of Al Shabaab militants.

Resource Sharing

Somalia Government and Member States encouraged the exploitation of the country’s large reserves of hydrocarbon and labeled natural resources as ‘National Asset’.

Another committee that will draft interim deal on the sharing of resources will be appointed in 45 days according to the communiqué.

“International assistances received by Somalia name will be distributed evenly in quotas,” agreed parties.” While creating an atmosphere that can bring about confidence and viable trust”.

Finally, Somalia’s Federal Government and Member States agreed on policies favoring decentralization, and finalization of municipal and regional-level administrations.

The disappointment at EU pledge of 2.4bn in September 2013 comes after donor countries have warned of the financial irregularities besetting the country’s highest monetary authority.

Major donors with the U.S and Turkey at the forefront are said to have sometime in the last few years shown off extreme reluctance on the continuation of Somalia cash aid.

Mogadishu-based Federal Government hired foreign investigators who allegedly cleared institutions of corruption in 2013. 

GAROWE ONLINE