Perspectives of Somalis on the outcome of National Consultative Forum
The end of the consultative meetings period has marked the begging of new chapter in Somali politics. The agreement has gained mixed reactions from the public.Garowe the capital city of Puntland state demonstrators against the agreement filled the city center square and in the south pro-agreement demonstrators filled the main city of South-west state Baidabo. goobjoog takes a look on how public, parliament , political parties , civil society ,federal states and government reactacted of the agreement.
Cabinet:
Somali cabinet immediately endorsed the agreement and announced to take into parliament for approve as soon as possible.
Federal state heads:
Puntland president walked-out the meeting minutes before the final version of the agreement made in public and in private press conference reacted strongly saying Puntland people cannot accept this agreement and deserved better agreement. Puntland state in the course of the consultative meetings advocated district based elections model. Meanwhile puntland Parliament in separate statement denounced the agreement and said puntland will independently decide its own political destiny.
Jubbland President in similar press conference criticized Somali leaders for not demonstrating political maturity in the course of the consultative meetings and as result failed to meet the public exceptions saying the agreement was only became feasible when International Community with federal government came to dictate the terms of agreement. The outspoken leader called Somali leaders to not look things at sectarian lenses.
Federal parliament:
Parliament waits the government to bring the agreement to its table to decide whether it qualify to be adopted for 2016 elections or not. MP Abdi Barre opposed the agreement and blamed Somali prime-minister for incompetence. Hosh Jibril another MP opposed the agreement saying the agreement saying its was another bad day for Somali politics.
Political parties:
Mahamud Ahmed Tarzan the head of Social Justice Party said the agreement is perfect instrument for current Somali leaders to manipulate and mono-ply the political future of the country.
Dr. Mohmmad Ali the head of National party for change and development said the agreement does not reflect to inclusive politics fulfillment road-map and called political party heads to continue their case against Somali Prime minister.
Meanwhile the forum of democracy and consultation in statement disapproved the agreement and called a review that considers objectively the needs of Somali people.
Civil society:
The main umbrella of Somali non-state actors said Somali people should collectively decide their political future. Abdullahi Mohmmad Shirwac warned that the country could descend into political turmoil.
Public:
Resident of Mogadishu shared mixed reaction with media. Resident are skeptical the 4.5 model which they regard as example of pure clanism while others tolerate the model for saying the cannot see better alternative for current time;Residnet of Kalkio under Galmudug state welcomed the agreement.
Kismayo residents expressed mixed reactions in the agreement. In Bososo people showed support to the decision of Puntland President to walkout the agreement table. Residents of Baidabo received the agreement with enthusiasm saying its represents good deal for them.
security council:
UN security council hailed the agreement and praised the Somali Federal Government and Federal states compromise to finalize the agreement.
By Abdi Aziz Gurbiye,
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