Hornpost
“Addressed the political, economic, electoral, and security situation in Somalia, called on the government and the opposition to work together for a solution” Former President Farmaajo
Mogadishu, (Horn post) Here is the press release issued by the 9th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, regarding the political, security, economic, and social situation the country is currently in.
Read the entire press release here:
“Since the re-establishment of the third republic of Somalia in the year 2000, with the establishment of a transitional government, the Somali people have been engaged in a political struggle aimed at achieving a viable national reconstruction that can fulfill its obligations to safeguard independence, unity, and cohesion of the country and the Somali people, and possess the capacity to provide care and services that the Somali people need.
Despite the many efforts expended, both in terms of life and resources, to achieve these aspirations, it is evident that there has been a significant delay in realizing these national objectives.
“Therefore, believing that it is essential for the Somali people to never give up on achieving their national goals, it is worth noting that the primary responsibility for maintaining the unity of the country and caring for the Somali people was entrusted to constitutional institutions and national leaders who were supposed to prioritize their constitutional duties above all else.”
The 9th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, while taking on the national responsibility related to the current circumstances and issues of security, political situation, economy, drought, and threats facing the unity and cohesion of the country, has held extensive consultations with various sectors of society, including members of both houses of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, politicians, scholars, cultural elders, youth, and civil society organizations, and hereby presents his political stance regarding the situation the country is facing.
Security:
I believe that the security threat facing Somali sovereignty and the safety of Somali citizens still emanates from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which remains an undeniable danger. Unfortunately, the current government has deviated from the policy and strategy required to eradicate terrorist groups.
I am deeply saddened by the disintegration of the Somali National Army, which was thrust into battles without a well-thought-out plan and strategy, leading to the strengthening of terrorist groups and the regaining of territories that were heavily bled for their liberation. The recruitment and promotion policies within the army have also contributed to nepotism and injustice. Corruption and the fragmentation of military leadership are also significant factors in the Army’s lack of operational capacity.
It is also concerning that many parts of the country have experienced a resurgence of armed clan conflicts that greatly threaten national and public security, without any clear policy from the current government to prevent, stop, and reconcile the Somali brotherhood.
Politics:
The political process in Somalia, which was the pillar of steering the politics that led to the national collapse in recent years, was founded on the success of the draft constitution that was universally agreed upon and an electoral process that is agreed upon based on prevailing circumstances. These two factors have led to elections that hold legal legitimacy and institutions based on a consensually agreed constitution.
However, as we all know, the leadership currently in power has deviated from the state-building process in Somalia, which was fundamentally based on an inclusive policy and mutual agreement.
The current leadership has unilaterally changed the provisional constitution agreed upon by the Somali people, without adhering to legal pathways or mutual agreements.
Additionally, the Federal Government leadership has established an electoral process whose laws, commissions, materials, personnel, and funding they control, knowing the outcomes that will arise from it, which poses a serious threat to the path of legality and an internationally recognized governance structure for the country.
Economy:
The country’s economy is facing hardships and inflation that have affected the lives of vulnerable people and the overall flow of trade and economic activity in the country. This is largely attributed to the looting of public resources, the reduced circulation of money, and widespread corruption across all government entities, as well as the lack of confidence these issues have instilled in Somali businesses, many of whom have moved their assets out of the country.
Call:
Considering these general conditions in the country, I hereby issue a national appeal.
- I call on the Federal Government of Somalia, State Governments, the intellectual elite, and all Somali citizens to join hands to liberate the country from terrorist groups that threaten the security and existence of our nation.
- I urge the Federal Government of Somalia and national leaders to adopt reforms and a national policy to rectify the issues leading to the collapse of the national army or its inability to perform the duties entrusted to it as mentioned above.
- I also call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, State Governments, and all stakeholders to work towards ending clan-based conflicts in certain regions.
- The provisional constitution agreed upon by the Somali people in 2012 was the only binding thread for the unity and legality of existing constitutional institutions; therefore, I urge the current leadership to retract the changes made to the illegitimate law.”
We are all part of the various segments of the Somali society.
As we are aware that the term of the Federal Government institutions is approaching less than five months, it is unfortunate that the country still lacks a unified political front, and therefore, I call upon all to use the only viable means of resolving the current political issues, which is through dialogue and reconciliation.
I strongly reject and warn against any attempt to extend the term unconstitutionally, hold one-sided political elections, or create divisions that may lead the country to be rebuilt on two separate governments with two different constitutions.
While I sympathize with the severe drought that has affected our people, especially the vulnerable children, I take this opportunity to call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, the diaspora, and all Somali stakeholders to collectively respond to the drought disaster, and I also extend this call to international aid agencies.
The 9th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, also welcomes any effort to find a solution to the current political deadlock, which is crucial for the restoration of statehood.
“I appreciate the international community’s ongoing efforts and support for the reconstruction of the Somali state, and I hope they will play a constructive role in promoting a politics-based solution, founded on consensus and national reconciliation.
Finally, I express my deepest gratitude to the Somali people, politicians, elders, and various segments of society who have devoted their precious time to help us navigate the country’s current situation.
END”
Statement:
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter
