THE AGENDA: PM should push for joint IGAD position on Qatari crisis during Summit

Prime Minister Hassan Khaire will be attending the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Extra-Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, the second of his foreign visits since coming into office February.

The Prime Minister is expected to among others brief the IGAD members which comprise countries-Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti on interventions regarding the ongoing drought, security situation in the country and economic developments towards Somalia’s recovery process.

Though the Extra-Ordinary Summit has been convened in light of the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, it is also expected to follow-up on commitments by the Heads of States and Governments of the bloc during the March Extra-Ordinary Summit in Nairobi.

During the Summit, the leaders agreed on joint proposals to deal with the Somali refugee crisis in Somalia whose effects have spread to virtually all the IGAD countries. In the Summit, the leaders agreed to harmonize and ease refugee laws in member states to allow refugees access gainful employment in countries they are under refuge.

The bloc also proposed the formation of a Multi-Donor Trust fund to be managed by the Federal Government of Somalia with the aim of supporting and facilitating the creation of an enabling environment and the rolling out of durable solutions, including safe, sustainable and voluntary return of refugees.

Focusing on tomorrow’s meeting, the Prime Minister should consider the following issues as integral in his agenda and address to the meeting.

First, the Prime Minister should seek solidarity with IGAD bloc regarding the ongoing Qatar crisis which is fast spiraling with far reaching diplomatic, economic and even security consequences in the Gulf region and by extension countries allied to the Gulf. Somalia is a member of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Countries hence it is directly or indirectly affected by the spillover effects of the Qatar crisis.

Prime Minister Khaire should therefore push for a joint IGAD position on the Qatar crisis-a neutral position just as his Government had indicated earlier in the week. As a key and founding member of IGAD, Somalia deserves support and solidarity from its neighbours and members of the regional body.

Secondly, Somalia has missed out significantly in the leadership of IGAD for a long time. This is Somalia’s time to not only have a voice in the regional bloc but also constitute its leadership. The Prime Minister should therefore convince the IGAD bloc to give Somalia an influential position now and ensure it takes the mantle of chair of the Secretariat upon the conclusion of the term of the current occupant.

Somalia needs to bring its voice, experiences and solutions to the policy making and implementing room of IGAD.

Third, The implementation of pledges by heads of states and governments particularly in the two previous summits-Mogadishu and Nairobi should also inform the Prime Minister’s talking points. These include easing restrictions for Somali refugees to work particularly in Kenya and Ethiopia which harbor the largest numbers of Somali refugees.

Fourth, Somali government should seek the intervention of IGAD in resolving the Galmudug-Alhusuna political crisis. This is based on the understanding the Federal Government has not been able to successfully bring this matter to an amicable end. The services of IGAD in a reaching a political settlement in Galmudug are critically needed at this point to ensure an inclusive and stable Galmudug state.

In a statement Saturday, IGAD said the situation is Southern Sudan was fast deteriorating and that member countries must step up efforts to avert further humanitarian crisis in the world’s youngest nation.

“The continued armed conflict and the difficulties being faced in transporting the humanitarian supplies to the needy population are matters that IGAD Member States view with extreme concern.”