Somali Parliament Speaker Backs Constitution Changes Despite Political Tensions  

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Even as the country's political disagreements escalated, Somalia’s Lower House speaker, Sheikh Aden Madobe, has supported the constitutional reviews, which have strong backing from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

At Mogadishu in the ongoing National Consultative conference, Madobe said shaping the country's political and constitutional future was no longer an option but a necessity, adding that coming up with a substantive constitution is mandatory.

For Somalia to embrace inclusive governance and National Cohesion, he said, several pending legislations must be enacted immediately, adding that constitutional changes are a norm in functional democracies around the world.

“This conference is not only a platform for consultation, but a testament to how far we have come as a nation, and how much further we must go, together,” he told delegates.

Federal parliament, he said, has significant roles in shaping legislations and reforms, arguing that completion of the provisional constitution was now a mandatory undertaking. Somalia has yet to complete the constitution-making process.

The review process is seen as key to cementing Somalia’s federal system and legal foundations after decades of conflict and fragmentation. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is under criticism for a 'discriminatory' approach in constitutional making.

“The Federal Parliament stands ready to pass the laws necessary for effective governance,” Madoobe said. “Our focus is to ensure the constitution reflects the aspirations of the Somali people.”

Opposition bigwigs and regional leaders from Puntland and Jubaland have boycotted the conference, arguing that Hassan Sheikh is 'not genuine' in his quest for stability and unity. They have vowed to oppose the outcomes of the meetings.

GAROWE ONLINE