Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Fides Service) - A agreement for peace in Somalia was signed yesterday 29 January in the Kenyan capital Nairobi by 42 representatives of different factions. The agreement stipulates the formation of a new transition government for a five year term; a Parliament with 275 members instead of the previously set number of 350, chosen by four main clans and smaller clans; a new federal Constitution to be approved by popular referendum. The agreement also sanctions and guarantees the application of cease-fire agreement reached in October 2002, but not respected and in fact at least 300 people have been killed during fighting among the different factions in recent months.
To hold a referendum it will be necessary to hold a census to ascertain the consistency of Somalia’s population in number and location. The estimated population is 9 or 10 million.
The agreement was signed by the present Transition National Government TNG which, despite its name controls only part of Mogadishu, the National Salvation Councils NSC, Council of Somalia for Reconstruction and Reconciliation CSRR. These groups divide Somalia in clans and promote regional interests. TNG, for example, is backed by Arab States, the CSRR has behind it Ethiopia, powerful neighbour which has sought for centuries to influence events in Somalia.
The agreement was mediated by the government of Kenya and the Inter-Government Authority for Development IGAD, comprising 6 east African countries. An important contribution was also made by the European Union committed to giving the new Somali government political and financial support.
Since January 1991, when dictator Siad Barre was overthrown, Somalia fell into a state of total anarchy. Armed militia groups of the numerous clans and sub clans used force to divide the territory between themselves. Today Somalia is divided in at least 3 parts. In the North the Somaliland Republic which declared its independence 10 years ago but is not recognised by the international community. However in this area there is a degree of stability especially in the central western areas of the territory. Somaliland was not present at the signing of the Agreement in Nairobi. In the north east relative security in the last 3 or 4 years led to the founding of Puntland, a local administration not interested in independence. In fact representatives of Puntland signed the Nairobi Agreement and this means the region is once again part of Somalia.
The central-southern region, the most densely populated and potentially the richest area, has not succeeded in giving itself a stable administration. (L.M.) (Fides Service 30/1/2004, lines 41 words 489)
