The May 5 parliamentary caucus (M5PC), composed of over 120 MPs, is gravely concerned about the current security, political and economic situation of the country.

The caucus is committed to exercise its duties and responsibilities of parliamentary oversight as outlined in Article 69 (2) (b) of the Provisional Constitution.

The May 5 Parliamentary Caucus (M5PC) examined the implications of the brazen terrorist attack on the Somali Federal parliament by Al-Shabab on 24^th May 2014, and consequently condemns this evil act. We commend the Somali security forces and AMISOM on their swift and successful response. We extend our deeply felt condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous crime. We urge the Somali government to expeditiously set up a public enquiry with respect to this tragic incident with a view to finding out the specifics of the security lapses thereof and the chain of command responsible for this gross negligence.

We take note of the fact that the International Partners of Somalia, most notably the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and the United Nations issued a joint statement on the27th of May 2014 titled "International Partners call for resolution of the political crisis in Somalia”

The caucus agrees with the international partners that the development of the Federal system, the constitutional review process and the preparations for the 2016 elections are behind schedule, and states that this fact, among other reasons, is precisely what necessitated the formation of the May 5 Parliamentary Caucus (M5PC).

While we appreciate the International Partners’ commitment, most notably the EU, USA, UN, and IGAD to help Somalia succeed in its peace building and state building goals, we are deeply concerned about the tone and tenor of the joint statement issued by the international partners on 27 May 2014, which statement is clearly directed at Somali sovereign institutions.

It should be made clear that Somalia no longer has a transitional government and a temporary charter, but that it has a permanent government anchored on constitutional foundations. 

The Caucus reiterates that the provisional constitution of Somalia under Article 69 (2) (b) empowers parliamentarians to exercise their oversight duties and responsibilities, and that the current political debate spearheaded by the M5PC is fulfilling just that role. 

While the International Community was mandated to facilitate the political processes aimed at ending the transition in the past few years, it would be imprudent for it to continue interfering in the internal affairs of Somali institutions at a time when these institutions are no longer transitional in nature.

The Somali Federal Provisional Constitution provides for mechanisms of resolving political disputes by the existing Somali institutions, especially within the framework of parliamentary and judicial processes. These institutions demonstrated time and again their maturity through having carried out a non-confidence vote against a sitting Prime Minister and the endorsement of a new government at the end of last year, without the assistance or interference of non-Somali entities or institutions. 

The Caucus is of the opinion that discouraging Somali institutions from enhancing their capacity to manage political differences will encourage perpetual dependency on third party interferences, a fact which will ultimately undermine Somali ownership of political processes.

We call upon the International partners to refrain from making improper political statements that may cause disharmony among the Somali institutions or may even cause more harm than good. 

We further caution the International Partners against making unfounded allegations and urge it to refrain from issuing veiled threats against parliamentarians exercising their constitutional and democratic duties and responsibilities as provided for under the Provisional Constitution. 

We remind the International partners that the sovereignty of Somalia rests with its citizens and by extension with the House of the People whose members are representatives of the citizens of Somalia. 

We call on the executive and expressly caution it against making hasty, unilateral and cosmetic changes before holding extensive consultations among stakeholders, so that all outstanding issues can be addressed in a comprehensive framework.

The M5PC is committed to resolving all outstanding issues, within the parameters of the Provisional Constitution, and through constructive political dialogue. 

We call upon the International partners not to initiate parallel processes that may circumvent and undermine the ongoing dialogue between concerned parties and respective institutions of Somalia. 

For God, Country and People.

Wa Billaahi Towfiiq.

End of Statement.