Somalia: Britain’s minister for Africa visits Mogadishu 27 Mar 27, 2012 - 9:13:45 AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia Mar 27 2012 (Garowe Online) – Britain’s minister for Africa and overseas territories Henry Bellingham visited the capital on Tuesday stating that Britain is committed to supporting Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.
The minister who met with UN Special Representative Augustine Mahiga,Mayor of Mogadishu Mohamed Ahmed Nur, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdinur Sheikh Ibrahim as well as the AMISOM commander Major Gen. Fred Mugisha and civil society members.
Mr. Bellingham and ambassador Mahiga spoke about the development of political structures so that the transitional period could end as scheduled. Particularly the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) which’s mandate according to the Garowe Principles “is to regulate procedures to be followed in the case that members can’t reach the majority for adoption.”
After a meeting in Galkayo by signatories of the Garowe Principles and Mogadishu Roadmap the number of NCA members was agreed to be lowered from 1000 to 825.
“It is absolutely crucial that we see progress on the constitutional process, particularly the National Constituent Assembly, so that the transition can end in August. I urge all Roadmap Signatories to work with civil society and traditional leaders to ensure that the Assembly is as representative as possible,” said Bellingham.
The members of the NCA will be based on the 4.5 system which divides the number of members by the 4 majority clans and the minority .5 clan. The members of the NCA will be chosen by traditional leaders also based on the 4.5 system and with the assistance of civil society groups from different sectors will choose the NCA members.
Bellingham who met with AMISOM commander Maj. Gen. Mugisha discussed the AMISOM’s operations outside of Mogadishu and the decision to increase the number of AMISOM forces. Bellingham thanked the AMISOM forces for their efforts in Somalia.
This is the first appearance from British officials in Somalia since the London conference.
Britain’s aggressive development and humanitarian efforts have increased as the UN and foreign nations try to assist Somalia out of an 8 year transitional period. Britain has promised to fund £1.5 million through USAID to quick impact projects in Mogadishu.
