New Galmudug constitution fails clan power sharing test-lawmakers

Federal lawmakers from Galmudug state have called for a review of the new constitution to reflect the interests of clans within the state noting at its current state, the new document which came into being to effect the merger of Galmudug state and the moderate Islamist group Alhusuna wal Jamaa failed to capture the aspirations of the local communities.

In a joint statement Monday, eight Senators and 26 MPs noted that whereas they were in support and even urged for the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement which resulted in the merger, they expressed concern that failure to cater for the interest of the clans could cause instability.

“The New Galmudug constitution which replaced the old one only gives priority to one side and does not cater for the interests of the local clans,” the lawmakers said. “This will create instability.”

The lawmakers who met on the 24^th and 27^th of this month emphasized the need for clan balance in regards to distribution of seats in the new state parliament. Article 9 of the Djibouti Agreement states that the parliaments the two factions (Galmudug state and Alhusuna) be merged in strict adherence to power sharing among clans within the state.

Galmudug constitution must reflect the interest and aspirations of Galmudug people, the lawmakers observed adding any articles in violation must be amended.

Garad Yusuf, a state MP in Galmudug told Goobjoog News Alhusuna had submitted more than 100 names for consideration as MPs contrary to the Djibouti Agreement. “The agreement envisages equal distribution of MPs on both sides but more importantly match the numbers for clans in both sides,” Yusuf said. He added Alhusuna had submitted 23 extra names on top of the 89 which conforms with the number of MPs in the state assembly.

The lawmakers also said the life of the new merger will end between June and July 2019 in accordance with the constitution.