International community lauds reconciliation agreement in Jubbaland

International partners in Somalia have welcomed the comprehensive agreement on peace and reconciliation between Jubbaland leaders and their counterparts in the Gedo region Friday.

In a joint statement, the UN, US, Amisom, regional body IGAD, UK, Italy and Sweden said the agreement was instrumental in promoting unity and establishing a common front against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

“This historic agreement is the outcome of an intra-Somali process that will bolster unity in the fight against al-Shabaab extremists in Jubbaland,” said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating. “We commend President Madobe for his courage and resolve in pursuing this important agreement.”

The partners commended the Somali government and Jubbbaland state for their strong commitment to peace and reconciliation adding that the truce would serve as an example for the rest of the country in dispute resolution.

Jubbaland state has had strained relations with clans in the Gedo region bordering Kenya since its formation. Jubbaland leader Islam Madobe last year fired Gedo governor Mohamed Abdi Khalil opening a rift which saw Khalil mobilise a militia.

Madobe last year agreed to expand the regional parliament to accommodate disgruntled clans who felt left out in the new administration following Madobe’s election in August.

The March 25 agreement set the framework for inclusivity and equitable sharing of resources among all clans in the state.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud also lauded the agreement as instrumental in facilitating reconciliation and state building in the southern state.

The international partners also urged all parties to the freshly concluded Jubbaland agreement to honor their commitments in the interests of peace, security and development.