Former President: It is now or never, please save Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the ongoing negotiations in Mogadishu could save Somalia from sinking if only participants set the country’s future instead of pursuing short-term political goals and expediency.
Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, five federal leaders including Said Abdullahi Deni, Ahmed Madobe, Lafta-Gareen, Ali Gudlawe and Ahmed Karie along with Banadir Governor Omar Filish are currently meeting in Mogadishu to iron out the difference.
The process has already been backed by opposition leaders including former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who insists Roble has a better will for the process than President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
In a statement, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that the country has the opportunity to fix the debate to avoid a situation where many institutions will break down and lead to a major political and economic crisis in the Horn of Africa.
“The real danger is not that the mandate of federal institutions expires, there are also sharp divisions in the legislature, executive is paralyzed and security forces are also fragmented. There is also a danger in the unity of the nation since the federal institutions are the link between FGS and FMS,” he said.
His statement comes weeks after the military began a fierce battle in the country, with those leaning against the opposition who have managed to seize several parts of Mogadishu. They have since returned to the barracks.
For Mohamud, who was Somalia’s eighth president, the gains, including successful negotiations on debt relief and good relations with the international community, could be eroded if a friendly solution was not reached.
“There is serious concern that the eight-year debt relief target may collapse, which will lead to negative consequences that could be detrimental given the current bad economic situation. Our relationship with the international community may also be paralyzed,” he noted. .
“Our nation’s past political history is a true testimony that any dialogue based on good faith will lead to a positive outcome that will please our people. We urge the political actors, the public and Somalia’s international partners to play a role in ensuring that the talks succeed. “
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said the progress of the talks was “encouraging” and added that most of the issues including the agenda for the meeting had been agreed. He did not provide more detailed information about the progress of the talks.
Farmajo is under enormous pressure to let the country go to the polls, but he has often accused the opposition of delaying the votes. Somalia is trying to repair the internal democracy that has lagged behind for almost three decades.
AXADLETM
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