Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
By Nduka Nwosu
United Nations representative in Somalia has endorsed the agreement signed between the government and the Interim Jubba Administration that has the task of defining the terms of governance in three southern regions.
Describing as a significant step at restoring peace in Somalia, regional and international security, Nicholas Kay said: “This agreement unlocks the door to a better future for Somalia.”
The agreement signed in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, by Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, on behalf of the government and leader of the interim government and Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islaan Madobe for the Jubba Administration, established the modalities of administration and governance in the Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions.
According to Kay, all parties gained from this agreement, which was why he urged them to implement it in good faith.
“Any action to undermine it will have a negative impact on the people of Somalia and on the international community’s efforts to support peace and stability. I shall follow closely the implementation of the agreement,” Kay who also heads the UN Mission to Somalia (UNISOM), noted.
He observed that the people of Jubba and of all Somalia will be looking to the new interim administration to deliver peace, security and public services.
“This is an interim agreement and gives the administration an opportunity to govern in the interests of all, including creating the conditions for the safe return of those displaced by the recent fighting in Kismaayo and ending the illegal export on charcoal.”
UNSOM is mandated to support peace-building and state-building as well as the Federal Government’s peace and reconciliation process. Kay said the Mission will also establish a presence in Kismaayo to support the new administration with its efforts.
Somalia has been torn asunder by factional fighting since 1991 but has recently made progress towards stability. In 2011, Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgents retreated from Mogadishu and last year new Government institutions emerged, as the country ended a transitional phase toward setting up a permanent, democratically-elected government.
Mr so-called president should have earlier negotiated with those who oppose his power grab. I think it's becaming clearer for Culusow that Somalialnd is gone forever and the South is getting divided by the day. Juballand? are you kidding me? Look at the geography of this region, Ogadens inhabit the dry part of the region, Afmado and Liboi, Kolbiyo and Badhaadhe by the border to Kenya, while Gaal Jecels mainly room with their camel herds around coast, Kismayo itself is disputed city and no one clan can claim ownership. Come down to Jamaame and Kamsuma and you are entering Bantu territory. Culusow made a mistake earlier and now he is trying to correct himself since the man who he backed sided with Shabaab.
CULUSOW was forced sing this agreement.