No progress yet on merger, Galmudug parliament speaker says

President Mohamed Farmaajo (L) speaking in Dhusamareeb in January during the merger of Galmudug state and Alhusuna. Photo: courtesy

Galmudug Parliament speaker Ali Asir has indicated there was no progress so far towards the merger with the moderate Islamist group Alhusuna wal Jamaa (ASWJ).

Speaking in Adado in Monday, Asir who has opposed the merger added he was not aware of the new constitution which defines the relationship between the two sides which came together last December.

“I do not know about the merger of Galmudug Parliament and Alhusuna wal Jamaa,” said Asir. “I am also not aware of the so called constitution and I have not received the list from the other side.”

Under the new merger arrangement, Galmudug parliament and ASWJ are expected to merge and seats distributed taking into consideration the clan balance.

Federal parliament lawmakers from Galmudug Monday called for amendment of the new constitution to cater for the interests of the clans within the state noting in its current state, the constitution does not factor in power sharing among clans.

Meanwhile Galmudug deputy president Mohamed Arabey has called for support from Somalis of goodwill and Federal Government to help in resolving differences in the central regions state.

“We welcome everyone in Somalia to mediate this issue and we are read for dialogue. We support the Federal Government in mediating between the two sides,” Asir said. “Galmudug leaders cannot agree because we are operating from two towns.”