Somalia: Senate identifies 'common ground' to end political crisis

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Upper House Committee mediating currently between the Somali Federal government and the regional states released a fact-finding report on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

The Members of the dispute resolution ad hoc committee held a press conference in the Senate house in Mogadishu, briefing the reporters on their efforts to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the country.

Senator Abdirahman Farole, the chair of the committee said the report was based on the outcome of the fact-finding mission by Senate delegations sent to the headquarters of the Federal States last Sep.

It found common ground between the sides which could form the basis of a political resolution in ending the gridlock that is threatening Somalia’s hard-won progress on its long road back to peace and stability.

"Today, were hereby declare that a milestone has been reached on partial of the differences and the Senate is committed to continuing efforts to bring an end to the remaining issues," said Senator Farole.

He added that their report sets the framework for an amicable solution and the Upper House will follow through to make sure a solution is reached on the months-long stalemate.

The report identifies common and specific grievances by the Federal states which suspended relations with Mogadishu last Sep, citing a lack of political and security progress in the Horn of Africa nation.

- Common Grievances -

1. To speed up the completion process of the provisional constitution [National Level],
2. The rebuilding of the national army and the ensuring security of the country,
3. To form the Judicial Service Commission and reform the country’s judicial system,
4. Reconciliation and National Unity,
5. A consensus outlook for the 2021 General elections and formation of the political parties,
6. To strength the Federal system, politically and economically,
7. To unify the national plan, sharing of foreign aid and projects
8. No interference in the regional states' elections as well as the central government.

- Specific Grievances -

PUNTLAND wants support for the Somali National Army [SNA] forces operating in its territory, salaries, training, and equipment.

JUBBALAND seeks assistance for its paramilitary unity "Darawish soldiers", upgrade their skills and embed with the state security forces on the ground.

SOUTHWEST urged for security cooperation, particularly the main highway that links its interim capital, Baidoa to Mogadishu, which is under Al-Shabaab blockade.

GALMUDUG, the report said it is in dire need of help in the establishment of its security forces and liberation of areas under Al-Shabaab control.

The report excludes the leader of HirShabelle state, Mohamed Abdi Waare who reached deal with the central Government at the very beginning of the dispute following talks in Mogadishu.

Finally, the Senate mediation committee has called on the Somali Federal Government to promptly act on the execution of the findings in the report on the political crisis in the shortest time possible.

The remaining regional leaders said they will only resume normal ties with Villa Somalia until all the agreements reached in the past meetings held in the capital and Baidoa last year are fully implemented.

The States have repeatedly boycotted calls by Farmajo to attend a consultative meeting in Mogadishu, the latest political setback as the government is trying to partner with the international community to stabilize the long-chaotic nation.

GAROWE ONLINE