Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdelh
Published on 2024-03-31 23:17:00
MOGADISHU- Somalia’s international partners have called on stakeholders in the country’s political system to intensify their efforts to reach an agreement through an inclusive process in the face of heightened political tensions. The recent approval of four chapters of the constitution by the two houses of parliament on Saturday has sparked controversy and resistance within the political landscape of the country.
The approval of the constitutional amendments by parliament has triggered a wave of opposition, particularly from key figures such as former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), along with a coalition of international partners including Belgium, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, the European Union, Finland, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, Kenya, League of Arab States (LAS), Norway, Sudan, Sweden, Turkey, UK, US, and US, have expressed their support for Mogadishu’s efforts to align Somalia with international and regional human rights obligations.
In a joint statement, the international partners commended Somalia’s commitment to upholding human rights, including children’s rights, and emphasized the importance of an inclusive process in reaching consensus on crucial issues such as the finalization of the Constitution. The statement highlighted the government’s determination to make progress in building a democracy and ensuring equality and strong governmental institutions.
The newly approved chapters of the Constitution address significant aspects such as freedom of expression, women’s representation, and the establishment of a new leadership system. This system will introduce three national political parties and enable citizens to directly elect the head of state, who will also have the authority to appoint and remove the prime minister. This marks a significant departure from the current constitutional framework where the president appoints the prime minister with parliamentary oversight.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the parliamentary approval of the constitutional amendments and the revamping of the electoral system as a historic milestone for Somalia. The President also underscored the importance of the amendments in paving the way for democracy and stronger governance structures in the country.
Following the approval of the chapters by the Federal Parliament and House of the People, President Mohamud signed the amended Constitution on Sunday. The government described this development as a critical step towards achieving democracy, equality, and more robust governmental institutions in Somalia.
The rejection of the constitutional amendments by Somalia’s semiautonomous state of Puntland has added to the complexity of the political situation in the country. The tensions and disagreements among various political stakeholders underscore the need for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue to address the challenges facing Somalia’s political landscape.
The international partners have reiterated their commitment to standing by Somalia as it navigates these critical junctures towards a more stable and democratic future. As the country seeks to consolidate its position on the international stage, collaborative efforts and inclusive decision-making processes will be vital in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for Somalia.
Source: AA
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