Following the Extra-ordinary session of the IGAD Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on the Situation in Somalia held in Addis Abeba, IGAD tasked Somali Federal Government to ” timely convene and lead reconciliation conference with the support of IGAD while consulting key stakeholders in the Juba Regions with a view to chart out a roadmap on the establishment of interim administration and formation of a permanent regional administration in accordance with the Provisional Constitution with IGAD playing a supporting role.” This suggestion came in light of discussion on the role of the Somali Federal Government in addressing the Jubaland deadlock.
The IGAD fact-finding mission proposed a a lead role for the Somali government but the wording of the suggestion was thought to have smacked of top down approach.
IGAD urged Somali Federal Government to integrate various militias. In essence, what is known as Somali National Army is a motley of militias characterised by infighting and indiscipline. The Communique gives supporting role to IGAD. Some analysts view this move as a realisation that Somalis are unable to solve the Jubaland crisis, and that prolonged political stand-off may rejuvenate weakened Al Shabab. The onus seems to be more on Somalia’s external stakeholders.
The IGAD fact-finding mission laid out five principles in which Jubaland reconciliation efforts will be anchored’. The mission attributed the Jubaland impasse to conflicting interpretations of the draft constitution.
Raxanreeb
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