Conference of the National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs’s (Election Agreement)

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Country/entity: Somalia
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Conference of the National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs’s (Election Agreement)
Date: 27 May 2021
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Somali Civil War (1991 - )
Originally spurred by centre-peripheral tensions, fighting broke out in 1981 between the regime of President Said Barre and the Somali National Movement, a militia primarily consisting of members from the northern Ishaq clan. Fighting intensified in the late 1980s as more clan-based militias arose. President Barre’s regime collapsed in late 1991 and as a result the UN intervened. However persistent attacks on the UN’s forces forced a withdrawal in 1994. From the mid- to late 1990s, the character of the conflict shifted as warlords fought for access to rents. Also during this period, two different peace agreements arose; the Sodere Declaration, which was mediated by Ethiopia and supported by IGAD, and the Cairo Accord, which was brokered by Egypt. Fighting, already noticeably lessened compared to the early 1990s, decreased and the more amicable environment paved the way for the Transitional Government to be formed in 2000 (replaced in 2004 by the Transitional Federal Government).

Nonetheless, opposition to the TFG arose in the form of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), which by early 2006 had taken control of most of southern Somalia until they were ousted by an armed intervention by Ethiopia in December 2006. As a result, the ICU splintered. Hard-line ICU members formed the Takfiri organization, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, and launched a guerrilla campaign against the TFG. Another faction of the ICU fled to Djibouti and formed the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia, which was absorbed into the ruling TFG after successful negotiations in 2007.

To deal with the new round of fighting, the UN-mandated AMISOM force was deployed in 2007. Since then, insecurity has fluctuated between the urban and rural areas as the al-Shabaab's territorial gains waver. Local militia leaders maintain de facto governance over communities. From 2009 to 2012, insecurity spilled over into the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean when Somali pirates seized, looted and ransomed ships. In 2014, 'Operation Indian Ocean' was launched and in parallel with infighting among al-Shabaab, the organisation's position in Somalia has diminished slightly. However, as evidenced by large-scale attacks by al-Shabaab in northern Kenya throughout 2013-2015, the lack of security continues to destabilize the region. Al-Shabaab continues to launch surprise attacks with the aim of forcing out foreign military presence in Somalia. Targets include both military forces and civilians. The devastating attack in October 2017 in Mogadishu saw 587 fatalities and resulted in a renewed military offensive by the Somali government and African Union allies. Since 2017, the U.S. has increased its air strikes targeting al-Shabaab militants, and in December 2018 they announced to re-establish a permanent diplomatic mission in the country. Al-Shabaab has been characterized as a spoiler in the Somali peace process and have therefore been placed outside of any negotiations.
Stage: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Somalia Peace Process
Parties: Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble
Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, serving as the chairperson of the conference.

Said Abdullahi Deni
President of Puntland.

Ahmed Mohamed Islam
President of Jubaland.

Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed (Laftagaren)
President of the South West.

Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoorqoor)
President of Galmudug.

Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe)
President of Hirshabelle.

Cumar Maxuud Maxed Filish
Governor of Banaadir.
Third parties: -
Description: The "Conference of The National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs," represented a significant collaborative effort led by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, involving key regional leaders, to critically assess and enhance the electoral process framework within the Federal Republic of Somalia. Through comprehensive deliberations, the council adopted resolutions aimed at rectifying identified issues within the Electoral Management Bodies, addressing the conflict in the Gedo Region, and instituting a quota for women's representation, amongst other critical electoral and security measures. These actions reflect a concerted endeavor towards ensuring the timely, peaceful, and inclusive conduct of elections, delineating a pathway for political stability and the advancement of state-building objectives within Somalia.

Agreement document: SO_210527_Conference of the National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs’s (Election Agreement)_EN (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): SO_210527_Conference of the National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs’s (Election Agreement).pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: PRESS RELEASE
...
4. Implementing quotas for women
...
5. Implementation of women's ratio
5.1 The Council has concurred, during the validation of the September 17, 2020 agreement that instituted a 30% ratio of women, to implement this quota in both legislative bodies.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): PRESS RELEASE
...
The Council also discussed issues they considered crucial for the success of the election process, including the overall security of the country, the electoral framework, and the completion of the roadmap for the state-building of Somalia.
...
Fulfilling of the State-Building Roadmap for Somalia
(a) The Council generally discussed and unanimously agreed to speed up the implementation of the comprehensive plans outlined in the State-Building Roadmap for Somalia, drawing attention to the completion of key initiatives within a two-year timeframe.
(b) The Council has decided to actively participate in executing the inclusive State-Building Roadmap designed to foster the development of Somalia as outlined in the agreement.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
PRESS RELEASE
...
Now, the National Consultation Council, recognizing the imperative need for the elections of the Federal Institutions of Somalia to occur within a specific timeframe, and to take place peacefully, inclusively, and contribute to political stability, has extensively deliberated and approved the following provisions:
1. The roadmap to resolve the differences in the Electoral Management Bodies
(a) The council decided, in reference to the proposal of the Baydhabo Technical Committee, to submit a list of members of the Electoral Management Bodies at both Federal and Regional levels that have disagreements within a period of 3 days to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government for replacement.
The process should start immediately upon the signing of the agreement by the leaders of the National Consultation Council.
(b) When the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia receives information concerning the members being complained about, he will verify the accuracy of this information and communicate it to the appointees for their replacement, with the announcement expected within two days.
(c) The committee will select its chairperson among themselves upon completion.
2. Resolution of the conflict within the Electoral Management Bodies of Somaliland
...
(a) The Prime Minister of the Federal Government is responsible for overseeing the process of the security of the elections in the Somaliland regions, providing guidance to the Speaker of the Upper House and the Deputy Prime Minister.
...
3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
The leaders of the National Consultation Council endorsed the resolutions of the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, aimed at resolving the political and security differences in Gedo as a whole and to facilitate the conduct of elections in Garbahaarey city.
...
(b) The National Consultation Council has decided that the Prime Minister of the Federal Government must be a role model in ensuring the security and reconciliation of Gedo region to facilitate the process of the elections in Gedo region.
...
- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
- The committee’s proposal of the appointment of two individuals for the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Garbahaarey District, seeking input from various segments of the community.
- The committee will be named within a period of three days after the leaders sign the agreement.
(d) The President of the Jubaland State Government is to appoint the members of the Administration of Garbahaarey District whom they submitted to the Committee for reconciliation, in accordance with the recommendations of the Baydhabo Technical Committee of 16 February 2021
(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.
...
(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.
(g) The Council is to decide that the Reconciliation Committee must submit their plan and schedule for the peace mission in the region and the comprehensive development of peace in Gedo region to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, and to be implemented within a 60-day period following the elections.
Election Security Protocol
...
a) To establish a security committee of 9 members, responsible for election security, led by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
The members shall include the Commissioners of the Federal Police and Regional Governments, and the Commander of the AMISOM Police.
b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
c) The emphasis of the National Consultation Council lies in ensuring that security forces at both levels refrain from involvement in political affairs and play a facilitating role in the electoral process.
d) The Election Security Committee is to consistently inform the National Consultation Council, facilitating well-informed decisions regarding the dynamic security circumstances associated with the electoral process.
...
Sustaining collaboration with the National Consultation Council.
(a) The National Consultation Council is responsible for implementing the agreement and working on the overall security and electoral matters of the country.
...
Fulfilling of the State-Building Roadmap for Somalia
...
(b) The Council has decided to actively participate in executing the inclusive State-Building Roadmap designed to foster the development of Somalia as outlined in the agreement.
Elections: PRESS RELEASE
...
5. The election schedules
The Council also discussed issues they considered crucial for the success of the election process, including the overall security of the country, the electoral framework, and the completion of the roadmap for the state-building of Somalia.
Now, the National Consultation Council, recognizing the imperative need for the elections of the Federal Institutions of Somalia to occur within a specific timeframe, and to take place peacefully, inclusively, and contribute to political stability, has extensively deliberated and approved the following provisions:
1. The roadmap to resolve the differences in the Electoral Management Bodies
(a) The council decided, in reference to the proposal of the Baydhabo Technical Committee, to submit a list of members of the Electoral Management Bodies at both Federal and Regional levels that have disagreements within a period of 3 days to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government for replacement.
...
3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
The leaders of the National Consultation Council endorsed the resolutions of the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, aimed at resolving the political and security differences in Gedo as a whole and to facilitate the conduct of elections in Garbahaarey city.
...
(b) The National Consultation Council has decided that the Prime Minister of the Federal Government must be a role model in ensuring the security and reconciliation of Gedo region to facilitate the process of the elections in Gedo region.
...
- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
...
(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.
...
(i) To deploy AMISOM in Garbahaarey City to boost the security of the city and the election venues.
(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.
(g) The Council is to decide that the Reconciliation Committee must submit their plan and schedule for the peace mission in the region and the comprehensive development of peace in Gedo region to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, and to be implemented within a 60-day period following the elections.
Election Security Protocol
...
b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
c) The emphasis of the National Consultation Council lies in ensuring that security forces at both levels refrain from involvement in political affairs and play a facilitating role in the electoral process.
d) The Election Security Committee is to consistently inform the National Consultation Council, facilitating well-informed decisions regarding the dynamic security circumstances associated with the electoral process.
...
6. Electoral Process Schedule
...
(a) That the elections be completed within a period of 60 consecutive days as specified in the agreement of February 16 in Baydhabo.
(b) That the Federal Electoral Management Team (FEIT) releases a comprehensive election schedule, including all relevant details, within the specified timeframe mentioned in point (a).
(c) That the committee members of the State-Level Electoral Management Teams (SIEIT) prepare a comprehensive schedule for the regional elections in accordance with the Federal-level Committee's timetable.
...
Sustaining collaboration with the National Consultation Council.
(a) The National Consultation Council is responsible for implementing the agreement and working on the overall security and electoral matters of the country.
(b) The Council has decided to bring together regular meetings to assess progress and ensure the smooth implementation of the electoral process, addressing any challenges that may arise during the election planning.
...
Thanksgiving
...
(c) The Council also extends gratitude to the international community for the support provided to the Somali Government in resolving electoral issues and achieving a peaceful resolution.
Electoral commission: PRESS RELEASE
...
During this period, the National Consultation Council thoroughly examined the progress and challenges in implementing the agreement of September 17, 2020 regarding the electoral procedures of the constitutional institutions within the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Council also scrutinized the progress made in the recommendations put forth by the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, to streamline the key points of the committee's proposals which included:
1. A roadmap for resolving complaints related to the Election Management Bodies of the two levels.
2. Finding a solution for the Somaliland Election Management Committee
...
The Council also discussed issues they considered crucial for the success of the election process, including the overall security of the country, the electoral framework, and the completion of the roadmap for the state-building of Somalia.
Now, the National Consultation Council, recognizing the imperative need for the elections of the Federal Institutions of Somalia to occur within a specific timeframe, and to take place peacefully, inclusively, and contribute to political stability, has extensively deliberated and approved the following provisions:
1. The roadmap to resolve the differences in the Electoral Management Bodies
(a) The council decided, in reference to the proposal of the Baydhabo Technical Committee, to submit a list of members of the Electoral Management Bodies at both Federal and Regional levels that have disagreements within a period of 3 days to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government for replacement.
The process should start immediately upon the signing of the agreement by the leaders of the National Consultation Council.
...
2. Resolution of the conflict within the Electoral Management Bodies of Somaliland
...
(b) Chairperson Abdi Hashi is to appoint four members, including one member for the Somaliland Electoral Management Team (SEIT), one member for the Federal Level Electoral Management Team in Somaliland (FEIT), and one member for the Conflict Resolution Committee, to the election management committee.
3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
The leaders of the National Consultation Council endorsed the resolutions of the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, aimed at resolving the political and security differences in Gedo as a whole and to facilitate the conduct of elections in Garbahaarey city.
...
(b) The National Consultation Council has decided that the Prime Minister of the Federal Government must be a role model in ensuring the security and reconciliation of Gedo region to facilitate the process of the elections in Gedo region.
...
- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
...
(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.
...
(i) To deploy AMISOM in Garbahaarey City to boost the security of the city and the election venues.
(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.
(g) The Council is to decide that the Reconciliation Committee must submit their plan and schedule for the peace mission in the region and the comprehensive development of peace in Gedo region to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, and to be implemented within a 60-day period following the elections.
Election Security Protocol
...
b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
c) The emphasis of the National Consultation Council lies in ensuring that security forces at both levels refrain from involvement in political affairs and play a facilitating role in the electoral process.
d) The Election Security Committee is to consistently inform the National Consultation Council, facilitating well-informed decisions regarding the dynamic security circumstances associated with the electoral process.
...
6. Electoral Process Schedule
...
(a) That the elections be completed within a period of 60 consecutive days as specified in the agreement of February 16 in Baydhabo.
(b) That the Federal Electoral Management Team (FEIT) releases a comprehensive election schedule, including all relevant details, within the specified timeframe mentioned in point (a).
(c) That the committee members of the State-Level Electoral Management Teams (SIEIT) prepare a comprehensive schedule for the regional elections in accordance with the Federal-level Committee's timetable.
...
Sustaining collaboration with the National Consultation Council.
(a) The National Consultation Council is responsible for implementing the agreement and working on the overall security and electoral matters of the country.
(b) The Council has decided to bring together regular meetings to assess progress and ensure the smooth implementation of the electoral process, addressing any challenges that may arise during the election planning.
...
Thanksgiving
...
(c) The Council also extends gratitude to the international community for the support provided to the Somali Government in resolving electoral issues and achieving a peaceful resolution.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: 3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
(a) The National Consultation Council urges the community in Gedo to work towards peace, unity, and harmony among the public and the administration of Jubaland.
...
- The committee’s proposal of the appointment of two individuals for the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Garbahaarey District, seeking input from various segments of the community.
...
Election Security Protocol
...
b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: Power sharing→Political power sharing→General
3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
1. The roadmap to resolve the differences in the Electoral Management Bodies
...
(b) When the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia receives information concerning the members being complained about, he will verify the accuracy of this information and communicate it to the appointees for their replacement, with the announcement expected within two days.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: 2. Resolution of the conflict within the Electoral Management Bodies of Somaliland
...
(a) The Prime Minister of the Federal Government is responsible for overseeing the process of the security of the elections in the Somaliland regions, providing guidance to the Speaker of the Upper House and the Deputy Prime Minister.
...
3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
...
(i) To deploy AMISOM in Garbahaarey City to boost the security of the city and the election venues.
(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.
...
Election Security Protocol
...
a) To establish a security committee of 9 members, responsible for election security, led by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
...
c) The emphasis of the National Consultation Council lies in ensuring that security forces at both levels refrain from involvement in political affairs and play a facilitating role in the electoral process.
d) The Election Security Committee is to consistently inform the National Consultation Council, facilitating well-informed decisions regarding the dynamic security circumstances associated with the electoral process.
...
Sustaining collaboration with the National Consultation Council.
(a) The National Consultation Council is responsible for implementing the agreement and working on the overall security and electoral matters of the country.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Election Security Protocol
...
The members shall include the Commissioners of the Federal Police and Regional Governments, and the Commander of the AMISOM Police.
Armed forces: Election Security Protocol
...
b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: 3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
(c) The National Consultation Council has decided to establish a comprehensive reconciliation committee, inclusive of federal member states not associated with Jubaland, in accordance with the recommendations of the Baydhabo Technical Committee.
- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.
- The committee’s proposal of the appointment of two individuals for the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Garbahaarey District, seeking input from various segments of the community.
- The committee will be named within a period of three days after the leaders sign the agreement.
(d) The President of the Jubaland State Government is to appoint the members of the Administration of Garbahaarey District whom they submitted to the Committee for reconciliation, in accordance with the recommendations of the Baydhabo Technical Committee of 16 February 2021
(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.
...
(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.
(g) The Council is to decide that the Reconciliation Committee must submit their plan and schedule for the peace mission in the region and the comprehensive development of peace in Gedo region to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, and to be implemented within a 60-day period following the elections.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: 3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region
...
(i) To deploy AMISOM in Garbahaarey City to boost the security of the city and the election venues.
...
Election Security Protocol
...
The members shall include the Commissioners of the Federal Police and Regional Governments, and the Commander of the AMISOM Police.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

Conference of The National Consultation Council on Somali Affairs’s

27 May 2021

PRESS RELEASE

The conference of the Heads of the National Consultation Council was chaired by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble, and it was attended by President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni;

the President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam;

the President of the South West, Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed (Laftagaren);

the President of Galmudug, Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoorqoor);

the President of Hirshabelle, Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe);

and the Governor of Banaadir, Cumar Maxuud Maxed Filish.

The conference took place in Mogadishu from May 22 to May 26, 2021.

During this period, the National Consultation Council thoroughly examined the progress and challenges in implementing the agreement of September 17, 2020 regarding the electoral procedures of the constitutional institutions within the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The Council also scrutinized the progress made in the recommendations put forth by the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, to streamline the key points of the committee's proposals which included:

1. A roadmap for resolving complaints related to the Election Management Bodies of the two levels.

2. Finding a solution for the Somaliland Election Management Committee

3. The process of resolving conflicts in the Gedo Region

4. Implementing quotas for women

5. The election schedules

The Council also discussed issues they considered crucial for the success of the election process, including the overall security of the country, the electoral framework, and the completion of the roadmap for the state-building of Somalia.

Now, the National Consultation Council, recognizing the imperative need for the elections of the Federal Institutions of Somalia to occur within a specific timeframe, and to take place peacefully, inclusively, and contribute to political stability, has extensively deliberated and approved the following provisions:

1. The roadmap to resolve the differences in the Electoral Management Bodies

(a) The council decided, in reference to the proposal of the Baydhabo Technical Committee, to submit a list of members of the Electoral Management Bodies at both Federal and Regional levels that have disagreements within a period of 3 days to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government for replacement.

The process should start immediately upon the signing of the agreement by the leaders of the National Consultation Council.

(b) When the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia receives information concerning the members being complained about, he will verify the accuracy of this information and communicate it to the appointees for their replacement, with the announcement expected within two days.

2. Resolution of the conflict within the Electoral Management Bodies of Somaliland

The National Consultation Council has decided:

(a) The Prime Minister of the Federal Government is responsible for overseeing the process of the security of the elections in the Somaliland regions, providing guidance to the Speaker of the Upper House and the Deputy Prime Minister.

(b) Chairperson Abdi Hashi is to appoint four members, including one member for the Somaliland Electoral Management Team (SEIT), one member for the Federal Level Electoral Management Team in Somaliland (FEIT), and one member for the Conflict Resolution Committee, to the election management committee.

3. The resolution process for the conflict in Gedo region

The conference was extensively deliberated, by thoroughly analyzing the political and security situation in Gedo region.

The leaders of the National Consultation Council endorsed the resolutions of the Baydhabo Technical Committee on February 16, 2021, aimed at resolving the political and security differences in Gedo as a whole and to facilitate the conduct of elections in Garbahaarey city.

Now, the council has decided:

(a) The National Consultation Council urges the community in Gedo to work towards peace, unity, and harmony among the public and the administration of Jubaland.

(b) The National Consultation Council has decided that the Prime Minister of the Federal Government must be a role model in ensuring the security and reconciliation of Gedo region to facilitate the process of the elections in Gedo region.

(c) The National Consultation Council has decided to establish a comprehensive reconciliation committee, inclusive of federal member states not associated with Jubaland, in accordance with the recommendations of the Baydhabo Technical Committee.

- The committee is responsible for establishing a peaceful political and security environment conducive to a comprehensive election taking place in Garbahaarey city, working in close collaboration with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.

- The committee’s proposal of the appointment of two individuals for the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of Garbahaarey District, seeking input from various segments of the community.

- The committee will be named within a period of three days after the leaders sign the agreement.

(d) The President of the Jubaland State Government is to appoint the members of the Administration of Garbahaarey District whom they submitted to the Committee for reconciliation, in accordance with the recommendations of the Baydhabo Technical Committee of 16 February 2021

(e) The National Consultation Council is to direct the Reconciliation Committee in their efforts to fully implement the stability plan for Gedo region as a whole and specifically for the success of the Garbahaarey election process within a 30-day period starting from the appointment of the Committee.

(f) As far as the security aspect of the Garbahaarey election is concerned, the Council has decided:

(i) To deploy AMISOM in Garbahaarey City to boost the security of the city and the election venues.

(ii) To raise and work collaboratively on the appointment of the new Reconciliation Committee and Administration in Jubaland, ensuring that the Committee, candidates, and observers are provided with a high level of immediate protection security to safeguard their safety throughout the electoral process.

(g) The Council is to decide that the Reconciliation Committee must submit their plan and schedule for the peace mission in the region and the comprehensive development of peace in Gedo region to the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, and to be implemented within a 60-day period following the elections.

Election Security Protocol

4.1 The National Consultation Council has decided:

a) To establish a security committee of 9 members, responsible for election security, led by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia.

The members shall include the Commissioners of the Federal Police and Regional Governments, and the Commander of the AMISOM Police.

b) The security committee is to prepare Special Forces to safeguard the election venues, especially those designated for the Somaliland constituencies, and to coordinate with the Heads of the two Houses of Parliament and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

c) The emphasis of the National Consultation Council lies in ensuring that security forces at both levels refrain from involvement in political affairs and play a facilitating role in the electoral process.

d) The Election Security Committee is to consistently inform the National Consultation Council, facilitating well-informed decisions regarding the dynamic security circumstances associated with the electoral process.

5. Implementation of women's ratio

5.1 The Council has concurred, during the validation of the September 17, 2020 agreement that instituted a 30% ratio of women, to implement this quota in both legislative bodies.

6. Electoral Process Schedule

6.1 The National Consultation Council, upon evaluating the prolonged schedule of the Federal Electoral Process 2020/2021, has made a decision:

(a) That the elections be completed within a period of 60 consecutive days as specified in the agreement of February 16 in Baydhabo.

(b) That the Federal Electoral Management Team (FEIT) releases a comprehensive election schedule, including all relevant details, within the specified timeframe mentioned in point (a).

(c) That the committee members of the State-Level Electoral Management Teams (SIEIT) prepare a comprehensive schedule for the regional elections in accordance with the Federal-level Committee's timetable.

(d) To sustain collaboration with the National Consultation Council.

Sustaining collaboration with the National Consultation Council.

(a) The National Consultation Council is responsible for implementing the agreement and working on the overall security and electoral matters of the country.

(b) The Council has decided to bring together regular meetings to assess progress and ensure the smooth implementation of the electoral process, addressing any challenges that may arise during the election planning.

Fulfilling of the State-Building Roadmap for Somalia

(a) The Council generally discussed and unanimously agreed to speed up the implementation of the comprehensive plans outlined in the State-Building Roadmap for Somalia, drawing attention to the completion of key initiatives within a two-year timeframe.

(b) The Council has decided to actively participate in executing the inclusive State-Building Roadmap designed to foster the development of Somalia as outlined in the agreement.

Thanksgiving

(a) The National Consultation Council expresses its gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia for his leadership and facilitation of the conference.

(b) The Council expresses appreciation to the stakeholders of the Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, and diverse sectors of the Somali community for their roles in achieving the agreement and resolving electoral conflicts.

(c) The Council also extends gratitude to the international community for the support provided to the Somali Government in resolving electoral issues and achieving a peaceful resolution.

===THE END===