Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble reached a deal the opposition’s Union of Presidential Candidates on the eve of the Friday antigovernmental demonstration announced by the opposition.
With this deal, the government would apologize for the deadly clash that happened last Friday, accept to set up an independent commission who would investigate the events and consider the Candidates’ demands regarding the upcoming elections.
In return, the Candidates called off their demonstration scheduled tomorrow and would work with the government to organize a peaceful and safe demonstration at a later date.
Somali Minister of Security Hassan Hundubey Jimale said the ministry would implement the agreement reached at a consultative meeting between the Prime Minister of Somalia and the Union of Presidential Candidates tonight, which focused on issues such as elections. and national security.
The security minister noted that the government is always committed to dialogue with anyone with concerns.
The governor of Benadir region and the mayor of Mogadishu Mr. Omar Mohamed Mohamud “Finnish” said that tonight is a victory for the Somali community, and from now on they will stand together to fight the enemy of the Somali people, Al-Shabaab.
The president of Hirshabelle region Mr. Ali Gudlawe Hussein said that it is a matter of great pleasure for the conference to end tonight and thank God that all the concerns have been resolved tonight, expressing optimism that the country will hold fair and just and acceptable elections, and such meetings will continue.
The President of the Galmudug State of Somalia, HE Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor, extended his condolences to the people of Somalia and expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the convening of the conference, and this kind of meetings preparing for the electoral process will continue.
Ahmed Abdi Kariye called on anyone who wants national elections be held in the country to attend the conference.
Lawmaker Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, one of the candidates, said the Union of Candidates is committed to implementing the agreement.
Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame who spoke at the forum noted that February 19th was a painful event, but other special meetings will be held on that issue, revealing that from now on meetings such this one discussing the country’s future will continue.
Former Galmudug President Abdikarin Hussein Guled underlined that the talks between the delegation led by the Prime Minister of Somalia and the Union of Candidates will lead to free and fair elections in the country, noting that the two sides have shown a willingness to compromise.
Former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the main goal is to hold elections in the country, and give anyone with an opinion or concern the chance to be listened to.
The former President of Somalia and Chairman of the Union of Candidates, HE Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, first thanked those who worked on the convening of the conference, adding that governance is the foundation of law and dialogue.
“The democratic system we are working on today is at its infancy, and Somali people should know that. I believe that upholding the rule of law is a constitutional duty and everyone should contribute to this. Let’s all uphold the rule of law.” Said Mr. Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The Prime Minister of Somalia, HE Mohamed Hussein Roble, closed the conference by saying that a consensus has been reached tonight, and that it is a historic night for the Somali people.
“I say to the Somali people, I hear your concern. It is important for us to have freedom of speech. Right to demonstrate is enshrined in our constitution and every Somali is entitled to that right. It is also a duty that we all have to work to ensure security. I call on the Somali people to stand by us to hold free and fair elections in this country,” said Prime Minister Roble, adding that the government is committed to holding elections.
Prime Minister Roble called on the Union of Candidates to help the country hold elections, and underlined that the country is in a difficult state of health, with the resurgence of COVID-19, and everyone needs to play a role in reducing the spread of the disease.
