Hiiraan Online
Tuesday September 3, 2019
The IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo - Photo AMISOM
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The regional bloc IGAD has commended the ongoing political reconciliation process in Galmdug state ahead of presidential elections.
IGAD special envoy for Somalia, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Mohamed Guyo said Tuesday in a statement the commitment by all stakeholders in Galmudug to pursue reconciliation and democratic governance was a remarkable step in inclusive politics in Somalia.
“The Special Envoy underscores the importance of a democratic, peaceful, fair, and transparent and l inclusive election,” the statement read in part. Guyo said the ‘peaceful and democratic election will create impetus for state building, security and development which will ultimately contribute to the attainment of the milestones in the Inclusive Politics and Somalia Transition Plan’.
The Federal Government announced last month that it was preparing for reconciliation conference bringing together various clans in Galmudug to forge unity ahead of presidential elections. The date of the election has not be unveiled yet but the term of the current president Ahmed Haaf expired in July.
Galmudug state has witnessed vicious political instability which saw the state government break into two main factions; one in support of the Haaf and the other, allied to assembly speaker Ali Asir.
The moderate Islamist faction Alhusuna Wa’al Jamaa which joined the unity government following IGAD led talks last December agreed to integrate its forces with the Federal Government last month though it later said it would no longer go ahead accusing the Federal Government of breach of agreement.