Naxar Nugaaleed Posted June 2, 2006 Constitutional Blunder by the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somali Republic Asha Ahmed Abdalla Member of Transitional Federal Somali Parliament of Somali By Asha Abdalla I am deeply disappointed by the news which was widely broadcasted all over the Somali media including the BBC Somali Service, regarding the deal struck by Putland Authority and Somali Parliament Speaker on the controversial and illegal mining exploration in Majayahan. My disappointment stems from the breach of Federal Charter as it relates to the so called “Majayahan Agreement†The Federal Charter already has specific articles concerning natural resources of the country. It is the sole duty of the federal government to oversee how the natural resources of the country are funded, explored and distributed. By allowing some regional entities within the federal system to be exempt from this rule will complicate other equally important constitutional issues such as Ports management, administration of regional airports, border patrol, and Passport and Immigration issues. This illegal exemption could jeopardize the existence of a viable Somali Government. The Federal Charter delegates the Executive Branch of Government, namely the Prime Minister through the Ministry of Water and Natural Resources, to address any concerns and issues which arise regarding the negotiations and implementations of oil and mineral explorations within the federal state. The Federal Charter specifies the role and functions of The Speaker of Federal Somali Parliament. The Speaker cannot unilaterally approve international agreements, nor can he unilaterally endorse international agreement. It is the function of Somali Government to negotiate an international agreement. The entire Federal Somali Parliament then votes to accept or reject any international agreements presented to them by Somali Government. According to the Federal Charter, neither the Speaker nor the Putland authorities, have legal grounds to engage in any international agreements. I am deeply disappointed that the Speaker has failed to consult with Somali elders from SANAAG region on this issue before signing the so called “agreementsâ€. We all know that the conflict in the region has escalated into bloodshed. The elders of the community have in the past released a Communiqué in which they expressed their desire to resolve the conflict through dialogue. There is an ongoing conference in BARAN participated by all SANAAG community elders to address many issues affecting the community including the ongoing crisis in Majayahan. The Speaker did not attempt to meet with community elders for their suggestions and input before signing this agreement which affects their community, thus undermining the confidence of the community for the Speaker. I am also deeply saddened that while our Capital Mogadishu is burning in a conflict in which over 300 hundred of our fellow Somali citizens have perished, hundreds have been wounded and many displaced from their homes, the Speaker chose not to go to Mogadishu, but instead chose to fly to Bossaso to settle oral disagreements (between Mohamed Gedi and Adde Muse) where there was no exchange of gun fire between them. The Speaker’s priorities are misplaced when our nation is in need of good and sound political leadership which have the interest of Somali people at heart. The Speaker’s unconstitutional actions could undermine the relative peace enjoyed by the two more stable regions within the Somali Republic, namely Puntland and Somaliland. I call upon the Speaker to explain himself on the floor of the Somali Parliament on the above noted breach of Federal Charter and to convince members of Federal Somali Parliament who have doubts on the stated purpose of his visit to Putland, the real purpose of his trip to Putland. Asha Ahmed Abdalla Member of Transitional Federal Somali Parliament of Somali Republic Badio, Somalia E-mail:Asha_Somali_Parliament@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xudeedi Posted June 2, 2006 The whole country is in deep political turmoil, fratricidal war, and irreversible anarchy, the remnants of which warlords and their allies have agreed to devour in the swiftest possible time they can achieve. The TFG has lost all its credibility by retrogressing into the status of a government that exists only on a white paper that even the U.S sees it as the least power or interest group it can lay its eyes on. So since every one is shifting for himself or for his temporary friends, you shouldn't expect something out of which comes a constructive result = peace and viable government. There have been accusations and counter-accusations as to how they can share and benefit from the international aid money, illicit oil deals and what have you. Hirad poses several questions which I believe everyone agrees with. "I am sure the people of Somalia deserve an explanation as to what is going on from. PM Geddi. Therefore, the Prime Minister owes it to the people to explain what is going on with his relations or that of the TFG with Ethiopia and other countries in the region including Egypt, Eritrea and Libya. Why is Ethiopia sending presents to Mogadishu? Why have the Americans chosen the warlords over his government to “fight terrorâ€, so to speak? Why do the Ethiopians have a high level Ambassador in Hargeisa? Why would Adde Muse visit Addis Ababa without the knowledge of his government? Sheriff Hassan and his parliament ought to demand of the Prime Minister to answer these questions and many more, on behalf of the nation. Somalia: The Dillema of the TFG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
