Somali political parties of Wadajir, Daljir, Kulan and Horusocod Caucus have convened a two day meeting prior to the Brussels gathering on 16-17 July 2018 to assess and evaluate progress made by the Federal government on the comprehensive approach to security (CAS) including Security Sector Reform, National Security Architecture agreed in London by Somalia and its International Partners on April 2017, transition plan for AMISOM exit by 2020 and agreed in London on December 2017.
Additionally, the political parties deliberated on the political instability, the polarization of FMS by the FGS, the implementation of political programs such as the completion of the constitutional review process, the electoral model that will lead to one person one vote and a new political dispensation beyond 2020. Furthermore, an assessment were made on the reconciliation efforts and holding discussions with Somaliland by the FGS. Similarly, the government’s fight against corruption was debated and human rights issues were reviewed during the two days conference;
1. We condemn in the strongest term the latest attack on government institutions and civilians by alshabaab, which culminated the death of many innocent civilians in a span of one week. We deplore the closure of the city of Mogadishu and urge the government to reopen the major roads in the city of Mogadishu as they are detrimental to the lives of residents of the city of Mogadishu, excessive roadblocks and closures have not brought about peace and security but have negatively
affected the trade and business of the city as well as its security and severely limited people’s movement, particularly women and the elderly.
2. We are gravely concerned on oppressing freedom of expression, closure of political space and denying political opponents to hold public gatherings in Mogadishu in violation of articles (18,19, 20) of the provisional constitution and the use of excessive and undue force against political opponents.3. Expressing grave concern regarding the widening conflict between the Federal Government and Federal Member States, which emanates from the Federal Governments’ centralist views on
jurisdictional power between the centre and periphery contrary to the provisional constitution.
4. Expressing our grave concern of the Federal Governments flagrant violation of intervening the domestic affairs of Jubaland, of a particular concern is its appointment of sector commander to sector 43 without consulting with Jubaland State in violation of article 20 of the National SecurityArchitecture.
5. Expressing of deep concern on the domino effect the dispute between GCC is having on security and political instability on Somalia, particularly reports where the FGS is getting Millions of dollars that undermine the stability, rule of law and democratic institutions as such activities perpetuate violent conflicts throughout Somalia.
6. Express our deep concern at the utter failure of the Federal Government of Somalia leadership to condemn and bring to an end to the hostilities between Somaliland and Puntland.
7. We deplore on the aid and development sanctions imposed on Somaliland by the Federal Government and urge the FGS to restore the special status arrangement for Somaliland in a spirit of compromise and brotherhood.
8. Cognizant of the importance of judiciary reform, we are deeply concerned of the illegal sacking of the chief justice of the high court, chief justice of appeal court and chief justice of the Banadir regional court in violation of the provisional constitution and urge the federal government to reconstitute immediately the judicial service commission and the constitution court as stipulated by the provisional constitution.
9. We strongly condemn the Federal government for opposing the planned Banadir National conference on the formation of Banadir government on January 28, 2018. We urge the FGS to immediately provide roadmap for the establishment of Banadir regional council/parliament and immediately reconvene the conference.
10. We urge the Federal Member States to hold election on time and avoid delaying the regional parliamentary elections and presidential elections for the purpose of getting a winning leverage over their opponents.
11. We urge the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia to commit to hold a multi-party universal election in 2020 in a timely manner. We warn the FGS of any attempt to postpone the one-person one vote beyond 2020 and urge the FGS not to hinder, and intervene the work of the National Independent Electoral commission by establishing parallel process to duplicate the work of the Electoral Commission.
12. We call on all partners in the spirit of mutual accountability to ensure that the necessary resources for the electoral process, including those related to voter registration scheduled in 2019 by the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and political party support are mobilized in a timely manner commensurate with the agreement of key political benchmarks that are necessary to ensure an inclusive and credible process.
Read more: Communique by political parties on Somali Partner Forum Brussels 16-17 July 2018
