Protocol Establishing the Technical Selection Committee

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Country/entity: Somalia
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Protocol Establishing the Technical Selection Committee
Date: 22 Jun 2012
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/territory
Peace process: Somalia Peace Process
Parties: President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia; Honourable Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament; Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali; President Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamoud ‘Farole’ of Puntland; President Mohamed Ahmed Alin of Galmudug; and, representatives of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a.
Third parties: The meeting was facilitated by the United Nations under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Ambassador Augustine P. Mahiga.
Description: Agreement establishing the Signatories Technical Facilitation Committee, and sets forth its powers and duties.

Agreement document: SO_120622_ProtocolTechnicalCommittee.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Main category: Page 2, Article 2, Establishment of the Signatories Technical Facilitation Committee, 1.(a) Six representatives from each of the four main clans and three representatives from the 5th clan reflecting the 4.5 formula. At least two of the representatives selected by each of the four main clans and at least one of the representatives selected by the 5th clan must be women...
(b) Two persons from the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), one of whom must be a woman, serving as non-‐voting members who shall provide technical advice and support.

Page 3, ARTICLE 3, Functions of the Technical Selection Committee, (f) Ensure compliance with the composition rules concerning women quota, the 4.5 formula and the involvement of the cross section of society in the establishment and membership of the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament, in accordance with the principles referred to in paragraph (e);

Page 4, ARTICLE 4, Procedures of the Technical Selection Committee, 1. As soon as practicable after being appointed, the members of the Technical Selection Committee shall––
(a) Select from among themselves two co-‐chairs, one of whom shall be a woman; and
... (g) The Technical Selection Committee may declare its meetings open for other observers, including the Somali Civil Society and women groups at any time.

Page 6, Article 6, Procedures for Review of Nominees by the Technical Selection Committee
6.4. Any list determined to not meet the criteria including the requirement of at least 30% women nominees must be rejected and sent back to the Traditional Leaders to re-submit according to established rules.

Women, girls and gender

Participation: Participation→Gender quotas
Page 2, Article 2, Establishment of the Signatories Technical Facilitation Committee, 1.(a) Six representatives from each of the four main clans and three representatives from the 5th clan reflecting the 4.5 formula. At least two of the representatives selected by each of the four main clans and at least one of the representatives selected by the 5th clan must be women...
(b) Two persons from the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), one of whom must be a woman, serving as non-‐voting members who shall provide technical advice and support.

Page 3, ARTICLE 3, Functions of the Technical Selection Committee, (f) Ensure compliance with the composition rules concerning women quota, the 4.5 formula and the involvement of the cross section of society in the establishment and membership of the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament, in accordance with the principles referred to in paragraph (e);

Page 4, ARTICLE 4, Procedures of the Technical Selection Committee, 1. As soon as practicable after being appointed, the members of the Technical Selection Committee shall––
(a) Select from among themselves two co-‐chairs, one of whom shall be a woman; and

Page 6, Article 6, Procedures for Review of Nominees by the Technical Selection Committee
6.4. Any list determined to not meet the criteria including the requirement of at least 30% women nominees must be rejected and sent back to the Traditional Leaders to re-submit according to established rules.
Participation→Other
Page 4, ARTICLE 4, Procedures of the Technical Selection Committee, 1. As soon as practicable after being appointed, the members of the Technical Selection Committee shall––
... (g) The Technical Selection Committee may declare its meetings open for other observers, including the Somali Civil Society and women groups at any time.
Equality: No specific mention.
Particular groups of women: No specific mention.
International law: No specific mention.
New institutions: New institutions→Infrastructure (general)
Page 4, ARTICLE 4, Procedures of the Technical Selection Committee, 1. As soon as practicable after being appointed, the members of the Technical Selection Committee shall––
... (g) The Technical Selection Committee may declare its meetings open for other observers, including the Somali Civil Society and women groups at any time.
Violence against women: No specific mention.
Transitional justice: No specific mention.
Institutional reform: No specific mention.
Development: No specific mention.
Implementation: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Protocol Establishing the Technical Selection Committee

Adopted June 22, 2012

The Somali Roadmap Signatories, committed to facilitating the implementation of their previous agreements adopted at Kampala, Mogadishu, Garowe, Galka’yo and Addis Ababa, and carrying out the directions given by Decree of the President on June 22, 2012, hereby adopt the following Protocol to establish the Technical Selection Committee referred to in that Decree.

Article 1 Establishment

1. This Protocol establishes the Technical Selection Committee.

ARTICLE 2

Establishment of the Technical Selection Committee

1. There is established a Technical Selection Committee consisting of 27 Somali voting members plus 2 non-voting members from UNPOS comprising:

(a) Six representatives from each of the four main clans and three representatives from the 5th clan reflecting the 4.5 formula.

At least two of the representatives selected by each of the four main clans and at least one of the representatives selected by the 5th clan must be women, reflecting the Kampala Accord, the Somali Roadmap, the Garowe I & II Principles, the Galka’yo Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Communiqué;

and

(b) Two persons from the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), one of whom must be a woman, serving as non-voting members who shall provide technical advice and support.

The members of the Technical Selection Committee shall be assisted by 7 observers from the international community.

The members of the Technical Selection Committee, except the non-voting and observer members, shall be appointed by the Somali Roadmap Signatories immediately upon signing this Protocol.

Each member of the Technical Selection Committee, except the non-voting and observer members referred to in clause (1) (b) and (2), shall––

(a) Be a Somali citizen;

(b) Be at least 21 years old;

(d) Have experience in elections or related fields;

(e) Be of good standing and repute in Somali society, as an

honest, patriotic, and tolerant citizen who upholds the

rights of all Somalis;

(f) Have no immediate declared personal political ambitions, or

conflict of interest within the process of a personal or

familial nature;

(g) Have no known history or record of committing serious

crimes or crimes against humanity.

ARTICLE 3

Functions of the Technical Selection Committee

The Technical Selection Committee shall document and publicize the list of 135 recognized Traditional Leaders who will be engaged in selecting members to the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament in accordance with the relevant procedures.

The Committee shall have the following particular responsibilities and functions:

(a) Evaluate against objective criteria as stipulated under the Kampala Accord, the Somali Roadmap, the Garowe I & II Principles, the Galka’yo Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Communiqué, all nominees for appointment to the National Constituent Assembly and to the new Federal Parliament, and submit the names of the candidates back to the Traditional Leaders for final consideration for appointment;

(b) Determine rules for the processes for nominating and selecting candidates for appointment to the National Constituent Assembly, and to the new Federal Parliament;

(c) Promote public awareness of the processes for nominating and selecting candidates for appointment to the National Constituent Assembly, and to the new Federal Parliament;

(d) Promote full transparency in the process of nomination of candidates for the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament, through public notices, publication of names of nominees in the media;

(e) Provide other technical and administrative assistance as necessary to facilitate the establishment and selection of the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament, in accordance with the principles set forth in the Kampala Accord, the Somali Roadmap, the Garowe I & II Principles, the Galka’yo Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Communiqué;

(f) Ensure compliance with the composition rules concerning women quota, the 4.5 formula and the involvement of the cross section of society in the establishment and membership of the National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament, in accordance with the principles referred to in paragraph (e);

(g) Undertake other tasks requested of it byThe Traditional Leaders to ensure that the National Constituent Assembly and new Federal Parliament are established in a transparent and credible manner.

For greater certainty, following the principles referred to in clause 2 (e), this Protocol confirms that the Technical Selection Committee shall not be responsible, and does not have authority, to select or appoint the members of the National Constituent Assembly, or the new Federal Parliament.

ARTICLE 4

Procedures of the Technical Selection Committee

1. As soon as practicable after being appointed, the members of the Technical Selection Committee shall––

(a) Select from among themselves two co-chairs, one of whom shall be a

woman;

and

(b) Organize themselves into 3 panels of at least 9 members each;

at least

one representative of each of the Somali Roadmap Signatories must be present for a panel to decide on a recommendation to the Technical Selection Committee in plenary;

(c) The Technical Selection Committee is properly convened if at least 14 of its voting members are present at the time and place specified in a notice for a meeting;

(d) Decisions of the Technical Selection Committee shall be taken by more than half of the voting members present;

(e) The presiding Chair may cast a deliberative vote on any matter, but may not cast a second, tie-breaking vote;

(f) The Technical Selection Committee shall keep a written record of the business conducted at its meetings;

(g) The Technical Selection Committee may declare its meetings open for other observers, including the Somali Civil Society and women groups at any time.

ARTICLE 5

Code of Conduct for members of the Technical Selection Committee

1. A person appointed or seconded to assist the Technical Selection Committee under Articles 1 and 2 shall not seek to be a member of either the National Constituent Assembly or the new Federal Parliament and, in the performance of his or her functions, shall not ––

(a) Engage in any activity that may undermine the integrity of the Technical Selection Committee;

(b) Participate in any meeting, investigation, hearing, or decision concerning a matter in respect of which that person has a personal interest;

(c) Make private use of, or profit from, any confidential information obtained as a result of performing that person’s official functions on behalf of the Technical Selection Committee;

(d) Divulge any information referred to in paragraph (c) to any third party, except as required as part of that person’s official functions within the Technical Selection Committee.

If, at any time, it appears to a member of the Technical Selection Committee that a matter being considered at a meeting concerns a personal interest of that member that member shall ––

(a) Immediately and fully disclose the nature of that interest to the meeting;

and

(b) Recuse himself/herself from the meeting to allow the remaining

members to discuss the matter and determine whether the member should be prohibited from participating in any further proceedings concerning that matter.

The disclosure by a person in accordance with clause (2)(a), and the decision by the Technical Selection Committee in accordance with clause (2)(b), must be expressly recorded in the minutes of the meeting in question.

Proceedings of the Technical Selection Committee, and any decisions taken by a majority of the members present and entitled to participate in those decisions, are valid despite the fact that—

(a) It is subsequently discovered that a member unknowingly failed to disclose an interest as required by clause (2);

(b) It is subsequently discovered that such a member described under (a), who had such an interest attended those proceedings, participated in them in any way, or directly or indirectly influenced those proceedings.

5. In carrying out the functions of the Committee, each member shall engage with the other members, and with the members of the Traditional Leaders,

in––

(a) A spirit of constructive good will;

(b) A manner required to efficiently and effectively fulfill the

Technical Selection Committee’s mandate;

and

(c) Accordance with the principles referred to in clause (3)(e), and any further directions or rules prescribed for the Technical

Selection Committee by the Somali Roadmap Signatories.

ARTICLE 6

Procedures for Review of Nominees by the Technical Selection Committee

1. Each panel of the Technical Selection Committee shall conduct an initial evaluation of one third of the nominees presented for consideration, and shall recommend that each nominee either––

(a) Meets the objective selection criteria set out for members of the

National Constituent Assembly and the new Federal Parliament in the protocol relevant to the respective institutions to which the nominees shall be appointed to;

(b) Does not meet the objective selection criteria set out for members of the National Constituent Assembly or the new Federal Parliament.

If a panel recommends that any nominee does not meet the objective selection criteria, that nomination shall be re-considered by one of the other panels, which shall either––

(a) Affirm the original recommendation that the candidate does not meet

the objective selection criteria;

(b) Recommend that the nominee meets the objective selection criteria.

The Technical Selection Committee in plenary shall––

(a) Make the final determination whether a candidate does or does not

meet the objective selection criteria after considering the

recommendation of the panel or panels;

(b) Advise the Traditional Leaders accordingly;

and

Any list determined to not meet the criteria including the requirement of at least 30% women nominees must be rejected and sent back to the Traditional Leaders to re-submit according to established rules.