|
|
According to the latest report on October 11, 2005 by the UN Secretary-General Koffi Annan stated "There has been no progress in ameliorating the contention between leaders of the Transitional Federal Institutions on four broad issues: the relocation of the transitional federal institutions, a national security and stabilization plan, national reconciliation and the peace support mission envisaged by the African Union/Intergovernmental Authority on Development." In the same report, the Secretary-General stated "There are tensions between President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed and Prime Minister Ali Muhammad Gedi, who are based in Jowhar, and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Shaykh Aden and ministers and MPs based in the capital, Mogadishu, had exacerbated recently". He went further and expressed concern that the political tensions between leaders of the transitional federal institutions had given rise to "military preparations on their part," and called on the Somali leaders and countries of the region not to be part of an exacerbation in political and military tensions. Let me try to demonstrate that there are no tensions which could escalate in to an all out war or anything for that matter and that there are no divisions within the administration. After a prolonged period of civil unrest and chaos, Somalia is a country in a peace process with a new government. The Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic provides a foundation for promoting national reconciliation, good governance, human dignity, human rights, fundamental freedom, and the rule of law and justice. The Process of the national reconciliation of the Republic of Somalia took more than two years and the result was a Charter that has been approved by the citizens of Somalia who were represented in the reconciliation. The most democratically-elected Parliamentarians (275 MP " representing all the people of the Somali Republic"), Speaker of the Parliament and at last the President was by far the most transparent, fair, and democratic process this continent has ever seen. Election observers came from different countries of the world and were satisfied with the result. The Government relocated on June 13, 2005 to Jowhar, a town 90KM north of Mogadishu. The President reiterated that the Capital of Somalia is Mogadishu several times through the media, press releases, speeches, statements, and through other mediums. There were many attempts initiated by the Government and other concerned countries such as Yemen and Kenya, whereby all efforts were made to bring all opposing views of the Parliament to agree to work together. All efforts failed despite the good intention of the government to bring in to the fold the Mogadishu-based Group (The Speaker of the Parliament who supposed to be neutral and whose responsibilities were legislative, but ever since his election, meddling the Administration affairs, and three warlords-come-ministers in the government whom should have been happy to have a portfolio in the administration and not in Hague, for their action during the civil unrest). The warlords were included in the government, but now they appear to be behind efforts to deprive the Somali population and there are strong suspicions among the Somali people that the warlords are behind the recent hijackings reported in the coastal area of Somalia. Is it fair for the UN Secretary-General to suggest the likelihood of military preparations between government officials over a disagreement on a bill that has been passed in favour of the majority of the MPs and the Mogadishu Warlords in the Government didn't seem to care? Let us take as an example, the recent mishap in Taiwan's parliament on October 11, 2005. Is it fair to say Taiwan's top leaders are at war with each other? Look what is happening in their parliament.They can't agree on simple bill to pass. Still that doesn't mean the whole institution is in shambles because of that. You be the judge of that! The warlords signed an agreement under oath and whereby witnesses from International Community were at hand. It was also drafted in the Charter. It states in Article (71, 8) of the charter that " Effective from the conclusion of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference held in Kenya, all militia organizations, armed groups and factions in the territory of the Somali Republic shall cease to exist and shall turn in their weapons to the Transitional Federal Government". The President assured the people of Somalia and to the whole world that his government will pacify the whole country through reconciliation, constructive peaceful dialogue and persuasion, and reconciling all the dissenting groups of the parliament on the issues of the government within the framework of the government system. In addition, the continuing lack of basic security remains a pressing problem, particularly in Mogadishu, the Capital City. The lack of security has impeded economic growth, creation of labour forces to rehabilitate the country and its citizens, creation of productive sectors, and provision of social services which would lead the country to a relative peace and productive society. Improvements in the security situation are essential to ensure that the investors local and international alike, to come to Somalia for investment. There is a huge economic potential in livestock, fisheries, agriculture, minerals, natural resources, and energy. Somalia has been known to have the best natural resources in the world, but limited experience and infrastructure prohibited the development of these sectors. The progressive establishment of the Transitional Federal Institutions inside the country, good governance in some states and stability, and improving security in other areas where the government continues its pacification program, and the resourcefulness and the commitment of the Somali people, provide a real opportunity for deepening peace building throughout Somalia. The International Community shouldn't be divided as to who to support. It is clear that the legitimate government should be supported and empowered. Increased pressure must be placed on those who are against the future of Somalia to abide by their commitments and to honour their obligations towards restoration of peace in the region and at last they should cease all effort to undermine this golden opportunity for the Somali people. We are calling for targeted sanctions and punitive measures against those against the process of pacification and nationhood, if these parties continue to undermine the process. This Government should be supported in this extremely important task of pacification and nationhood. With the success of the pacification program of the TFG, Somalia will be able to re-enter the International Community, normalize relations, and establish bilateral relationships with all countries of the world.
Copyright © 2005 Wardheernews.com |