Amid boycotts by regional elders to attend negotiations aimed at the formation of an interregional state for Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, Somali prime minister says he hopes a smooth engagement in advancing the process.
The lingering standoff had dealt a potential blow to the government’s efforts in bringing elders back to the negotiations table.
However, Mr. Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke expressed hope in advancing the process after he held talks with traditional elders and members of civil society in a bid to overcome the challenges.
“I want to express my appreciation to theof the federalism system throughout the country before the horn of Africa nation heads for presidential elections due mid this year signaled its willing to convince elders to return to negotiating table.
Despite facing challenges in the formation of Hiiraan and Middle Sha Traditional Elders of Hiiraan who showed maturity and dedication towards the State Building Process, on my part.” Mr. Sharmarke said in a statement from his office Thursday.
The central government which aims to complete the implementation blle interregional state formation, Somali government had achieved early success in its efforts aimed at adopting the federalism system across the country as it managed to form regional states for
Jubbaland, Galmudug and Southwestern state.
Multiple attempts by his government to end the political stalemate related to the proposed state formation hit the rocks after Hiiraan’s traditional elders pushed back a last ditch attempt by Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a ministerial delegation in the region to secure their endorsement for the initiative.
The region’s council of elders earlier boycotted to attend the state formation conference which was held in Jowhar, the regional capital of Middle Shabelle region late last year over ‘broken promises, concerns Somali prime minister said his government would try to address.
“I guarantee to look into the concerns and issues you raise and in parallel request you express your concerns and resolve through dialogue.” He said in the statement.
Despite criticism by elders that the government mishandled the initiative, citing vagueness in running the process which they said fell short of their expectations, Somali government promised of ensuring a ‘fair’ and ‘comprehensive process, in an effort to form an ‘inclusive’ regional state.
However, political analysts remain pessimistic that the ongoing efforts would bring an immediate solution, pointing out complexities surrounding the proposed state’s formation process, given lack of consensus, mistrust and rivalry among clans in the two regions.
