President Farmaajo: We are committed to guarding federalism

President Mohamed Farmaajo has reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting and promoting federalism noting that the Federal Member States were instrumental in ensuring representative governance.

Addressing the Somalia Partnership Forum in Mogadishu Tuesday, the President said the Federal Government is keen on promoting a mutual relationship with the member states distancing his administration from earlier accusations by regional presidents of his intent to frustrate federalism.

“We will seek to enhance the effective communication and coordination between federal states and the federal government,” the President said. “For the sake of clarity, let me reiterate that we are committed to federalism.”

President Farmaajo noted the Federal Government remained pivotal in addressing issues both at national federal level citing the talks between Galmudug and Alhusuna wa Jamaa.

“A case in point is the role played by the federal government as an honest peace broker between Alhusuna wa Jamaa and Galmudug.”

Federal Member States under the newly formed Council of Inter-Governmental Cooperation have in  the past few months accused the Federal Government of derailing federalism citing what they termed as interference during the political crisis in Galmudug in August.

But the President said Tuesday he was also committed to upholding the rights of the Federal Government. “However we are equally committed to upholding the rights and jurisdictions of the Federal Government as stipulated by the Provisional Constitution.”