(29-05-23) MOGADISHU – Former Somali leaders, including ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Kheyre, Omar Abdirashid, and Abdiweli Sheikh, have strongly opposed the resolutions issued by the National Consultative Council (NCC).
In a joint press release on Monday, these leaders argued that some points decreed by the NCC contradict the country’s laws and agreed-upon political power sharing. They called for amendments to the constitutional articles, urging the process to commence with the designated institutions representing the Somali community.
“We suggest that the amendment of the constitutional articles of the country should start with the institutions designated for the Somali community,” they stated in the press release.
The leaders warned that the NCC’s decisions could potentially threaten the unity and solidarity of the Somali nation. They emphasized the need for involvement from all states and different sectors of Somali society in these critical decisions.
“Without a thorough examination of the political changes made in the process of power distribution and the process of government in the country, without participation from all sectors of the society, it can lead to a delay in distrust and social division,” the statement read.
Despite their objections, the former leaders welcomed the introduction of a multi-party electoral system, viewing it as an essential step towards allowing the Somali people to exercise their political rights and choose their representatives, thereby strengthening governance and democracy.
Lastly, they called upon the JFS Parliament in its two Houses to fulfil their constitutional duties and safeguard the country from any inclination that does not serve the public interest and the country’s government-building process.
“First of all, the government should give priority to the fight against Al-Shabaab, avoid any political step that may cause a burden, and make efforts to bring the government to the territory freed from Al-Shabaab,” they added.
The joint statement was issued by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake, Hassan Ali Kheyre, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Abdiweli Gas, Sharif Hassan Sh. Adam, Dr Abdinur Sheikh Mohamed, Hon. Abdulkadir Cosoble, and Dr Abdinasir Abdulle Mohamed.
