Somalia: Despite IGAD efforts, differences persist on state formation

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia-The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has initiated efforts to ease a months-long deadlock regarding the formation of a federal memberstate in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports. 

IGAD envoy to Somalia Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Afey led a high level delegation to Beledweyne on July 12 in a bid to convince Hiran elders to attend state formation convention. 

However, Hiran clan elder Mohamed Abdi Raho told Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe that discussions on the future of a regional administration comprising Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions failed to yield a “substantive breakthrough”. 

IGAD initiative has come after grassroots confidence in UN-backed national government in Mogadishu waned over perceived manipulation.  

Many attempts to resume the convention could not garner support from elders, with Hiran clan elders critiquing the federal government on taking sides in the allocation of seats.  

Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif, a prominent traditional leader insisted the government should first address locals grievances towards the unfair distribution of quotas. 

Somali government asked IGAD to spearhead state formation efforts following objections to agendas drawn up by Interior Minister Abdirahman Odawa.

GAROWEONLINE