Press Statement On The Istanbul Pre-Conference

Nairobi:-The Ministry of Constitution, Federalism and Reconciliation wishes to express its grave concern on the selection of the civil society groups for the Somali Istanbul Pre-Conference. As already highlighted by many parts of the Somali Society, including key signatories of the Road Map, the selection process lacks transparency, and may inadvertently impact the progress made thus far on the End of Transition processes.

A quick glance at the invitee list shows that the civil society members are not inclusive and exclude mainstream civil society groups. Furthermore, politically motivated members of the parliament and politicians were amongst the so called civil society groups that went to Istanbul.

The Minister of Constitution, Federalism and Reconciliation H.E. Abdurahman Hosh Jibril said “We register our displeasure that an unrepresentative self-selected group within the pre-conference attendees have hijacked and thus politicized an integral part of the process, a fact which could potentially undermine the integrity and the spirit of all of the agreements and principles agreed to by all stakeholders in the last 9 months, including the recent Addis Ababa Communiqué.”

The Minister welcomed an urgent and timely resolve to the concerns of the Somali people by working closely with the Turkish government in ensuring the success of this Pre-Conference and the Istanbul Conference II.

The Ministry acknowledges the full commitment of the government and the people of Somalia to the fruitful results of the recent Addis Ababa Meeting and reminds all of our international partners of the importance of unity of purpose on ending the transition. We call for the continued and unreserved support for the Roadmap process, Mogadishu Consultative Conference, Mogadishu Civil Society Meeting, the Garowe 1 and 2 Agreements, the Galkayo Agreement, the on-going Traditional Leaders’ conference and the Addis Ababa Communiqué. The Transitional Federal Government relies on the brotherly and friendly countries of Somalia, inter alia the Turkish Government, to support the implementation of the sustainable state-building process for peace

The Minister further added that “we are looking forward for an urgent review of our concerns in order to put the process on its right track. I must remind all that at this critical juncture, the Somali government and its international partners ought to show a unity of purpose so that we can end the transition as expeditiously as outlined under the Roadmap agreements.”

The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia expresses gratitude for the developmental and humanitarian role played by Turkey and for its continued support for the people of Somalia. Equally, the Transitional Federal Government is deeply appreciative of the good intentions of the Turkish government in convening and facilitating the Istanbul Conference to rally the support of the international community for Somalia’s future.

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OPM