We regret cancellation of Constitutional Convention- Minister Hosh

Constitutional Affairs Minister Abdi Hosh has expressed regrets over the cancellation of the constitutional convention which was set to take place Sunday.

Hosh however noted the move to cancel the meeting was a learning curve and a practice in democracy. “People must not feel as a big deal for the meeting not to have taken place. We really wanted it to happen but I am delighted as we can feel our democracy is growing after our institutions advocated for its cancellation while we the executive accepted their demand,” the minister said.

The parliamentary Oversight Committee and the Review and Implementation Commission dismissed the convention terming it a unilateral decision by the Ministry forcing the federal government to cancel the meeting. Regional administration also poured cold water on the convention declaring non attendance.

The two constitutional review and implementation bodies had raised concerns over what it said was a move to usurp their powers and responsibilities by the ministry contrary to the provisions of the Provisional Constitution.

The ministry had widely made public the convention schedule for October 8-10 in Mogadishu bringing together regional administrations, civil society and international community among other stakeholders.

The Oversight Committee and Review and Implementation Commission called on the international community to withdraw funding of the convention.

Hosh said Wednesday talks were still underway to resolve the underlying issues.