Somalia: Federal Parliament Speaker endorses formation of new state
BAIDOA, Somalia Sep.21, 2013 (Garowe Online)-The Somali Federal Government Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari on Saturday has voiced support for the formation of a new autonomous state including Bay, Bakool, Lower Shabelle, Gedo, Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions, Garowe Online reports.
Speaking at an event held in Bay regional capital of Baidoa, Jawari expressed his delight with the formation of a new federated state consisting of the six regions in southern Somalia.
“The decision of making new state is an initial step, I encourage you to go ahead and increase the outreach. I support such decisions but you have to endeavor for its accomplishment,” said Jawari.
Following a four-day consultative meeting which brought together Bay and Bakool traditional elders, intellectuals and Federal Members of Parliament in Baidoa, the participants agreed on four points.
Among the points agreed during the discussions; Federal Government of Somalia to spearhead a convention aimed at the formation of regional government, Traditional elders and parliamentarians with the help of civil society members to speed up the selection of councilors for districts and the nomination of governors, the recent agreement between Federal government and Jubaland wasn’t signed in line with the Federal Constitution and to establish new federated state consisting of six regions soon.
It is unclear, how these decisions would be implemented as Jubaland which consists of Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo enjoys wide recognition.
In a protest against “Jubba Agreement”, Hundreds of residents in Baidoa previously took to the streets by hoisting banners that read anti-Federal Government slogans.
