The recently televised agreement on the creation of three regions of Southwest state consisting of Bay, Bakol and Lower Shebelle signed at Presidential Palace on 23^rd June has caused major uproar and anger from various Somali communities particularly those residing Lower Shebelle region. The speech of Ambassador Afey was offensive, inflammatory and contrary to diplomatic protocol pertaining to his position. The Ambassador threatened anyone who expresses reservation about the agreement equating them to Al-Shabab.Here is a transcript of his speech:"It will be the first time we punish those who disagree with the peace agreements”…This agreement is the continuation of Addis Ababa agreement and it brings peace and we support the Prime Minister and his Government...oh Mr. President show us those who oppose this agreement we will treat them like Al-Shabab”-these outrageous words were uttered in the presence of the president, Prime Minister and Speaker of the House of the People.

The ambassador speaking on behalf of IGAD member states, which Somalia is a founding member state exceeded the limits of his responsibility by offending the whole Somali establishment. He showed reckless attitude and irresponsible behavior in order to advance clannish agenda favoring his Ogaden/Darod clan which control the Interim Juba Administration. The ambassador seemed to speak for his clan rather than his organization, he uttered words that were demeaning to IGAD and Somali Federal Republic: It is not the first time ambassador Afey manifested such behavior and bias toward his clan. He was unprofessional, violated the neutrality code of conduct of IGAD diplomats and misused his position to affront the Somali government and people. Therefore he must resign from his position or dismissed by IGAD authority to protect its image. The Somali government must give him Persona non Grata status. We urge IGAD to dismiss him and replace him with someone responsible and professional. 

The 23^rd June agreement contravenes Article 49, paragraph (1-6) of Provisional Constitution which clearly explains how the regions and states are formed. Paragraph (6) states: "based on a voluntary decision, two or more regions may merge to form a federal member state." The process comes voluntarily and should not be an imposition by the government or any other foreign countries. The Government has ignored the Provisional Constitution and relevant laws governing state formation and therefore MPs and Somali public at large have expressed serious reservation about the Southwest agreement. The participation of IGAD and other international representative including UN representatives and the threat uttered by Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Afey has added fuel to the flames. 

We the undersigned demand his dismissal in order to restore the confident the government and people had in IGAD.