As things stand there are inherent tensions in the constitution between the offices of Prime Minister and the Presidency. 10 Prime Ministers over the last 10 years suggests this turbulence will not disappear with a change of personalities. The roles and responsibilities of the respective offices should be re-examined during the constitutional review process.

Common International Messages

 

Key Headlines

• This crisis has dented international confidence in you and your Government. You need to deliver on your commitments and should set out what you will do over the next six months to start rebuilding confidence.
• Current Parliamentary impasse should allow space for cross-parliamentary dialogue between the different political forces and leadership and seek inclusive solutions to the crisis. Time for reaching out and inclusive politics.
• One of the resolutions to this crisis remains reconciliation with the current Prime Minister, as you have previously pledged to try for.
• Progress requires a broadly supported Prime Minister of political substance, with a means and mandate to deliver is vital.
• We urge you to handle any potential disruption in Parliament carefully – sending in security forces to deal with turbulence is likely to create further tension.
• HLPF in Copenhagen will provide a platform for you to show your Government is serious about delivery of Vision 2016. You and your Government need to engage with HLPF in a constructive spirit, as well as recognise publicly the set-backs this political crisis has caused.
• International partners remain committed to helping build a sovereign, secure, democratic, united and federal Somalia. The meeting in Copenhagen was an opportunity not to be missed. 
• Government is paralysed and Parliament polarised. Business continuity, the urgent passing of long pending agreed legalisation and progress in the state formation process (e.g. South West) and AMISOM/SNA offensive is key to showing you are serious about delivery.
• The measures you take over the new few days will affect how the international community engages on your priorities, such as greater use of country systems and rebuilding the central role of the FGS. The regions could start to increase in importance to the international community if the FGS struggles to achieve unity, stability and good delivery. 

 

Future Unity

• As things stand there are inherent tensions in the constitution between the offices of Prime Minister and the Presidency. 10 Prime Ministers over the last 10 years suggests this turbulence will not disappear with a change of personalities. The roles and responsibilities of the respective offices should be re-examined during the constitutional review process.
• In the interim, a political agreement between President and Prime Minister is important for unity and to show your commitment to a stable Government. For the credibility and future unity of the Government, no single political or ideological group should have or be perceived to have monopoly or veto power through 2016. The Government needs to be representative, have broad parliamentary backing, and be perceived as such by the various sections of the Somali community.
• Inclusivity in the Cabinet is important for unity and credibility. The current parliamentary opposition to the motion against the Prime Minister should be also consulted on the appointment of top government posts.
• Now is the time to make a push to improve relationships with existing federal states and interim regional administrations. The FGS leadership must demonstrate with concrete action its strong public commitment to Vision 2016 and a federal Somalia. 

Stability

• The Prime Minister and Cabinet must have time to deliver. There should be a period of at least 6 months where there are no reshuffles.
• Parliament needs to focus on passing legislation, not politicking. Further motions will make for political unrest and damage Parliament’s credibility.  You should show leadership in this.
• Important that all Principals work together and avoid disagreements that may take the FGS back into crisis mode. Welcome consultation on key decisions and negotiation to resolve tensions, rather than public statements and posturing by those around the Principals.
• Better working practices are needed, including regular and frequent formal meetings between President and PM.

Delivery

• Early, strong action by a new Prime Minister and Cabinet, with leadership shown by the President is vital to re-build international confidence in the FGS – it has been badly damaged by the political crisis.
• Progress should be reviewed monthly with the President, PM and international community representatives meeting.
• You will need to think carefully about the people around you and whether they are best placed to make delivery happen.
• Internationals would welcome firm, public commitment to delivery against specific areas and then fast delivery on them; many of which have already been agreed between the Speaker and Prime Minister. These are:

Political

If the PM is removed, swift selection of a competent and credible PM and Cabinet should follow within a maximum of 15 days.A clear agreement between the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet on modalities for consultation and decision making, that is put before Parliament and which will hold until the 2016 elections.

• • Commitment on both sides to improve relations and co-operation between OPM and Presidency.
  • Public commitment from President, PM and Speaker to the legislative timetable.
  • Delivery against the legislative agenda already agreed, including passing critical legislation within this Session, including:
    • Counter-Terrorism legislation
    • National Independent Electoral Commission
    • Boundaries and Federation Commission
• Continued progress on State formation
• Security
  • Affirmation that commitments made at the London Security Event will be implemented, including as priorities:
    • Immediate recommencement of the militia reintegration process, with a political, not military lead
    • Agreement on the SNA Development Partnership agreement (mutual accountability benchmarks) by end of January 2015
• Agreement (with Office of the Prime Minister) on command, control and accountability of the National Security Architecture to remove current confusion and duplication.
• Formation of a National Security Commission.
• Improved consistent compliance with the requirements of the partial suspension of the arms embargo and constructive engagement with SEMG.
• Development and Public Financial Management
  • Setting up and implementation of a Public Financial Management Plan
  • Establishment of  and public commitment to an anti-corruption regime
  • Solid progress against Somalia New Deal Compact commitments including:
    • Finalising the work on the roadmaps towards use of government systems.