Friday February 23, 2024
MOGADISHU (Xinhua) -- Somalia wrapped up a two-day public consultation meeting in the capital, Mogadishu, Friday to review the first four chapters of the constitution, urging parliament to adopt a document that reflects the views and aspirations of the Somali people.
The meeting, organized jointly by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Political Unit of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), brought together more than 200 representatives from civil society organizations.
Presidential Adviser on Constitutional Affairs Hussein Sheikh Mohamud said the meeting aimed to gather insights on proposed constitutional amendments, complementing ongoing federal parliament debates.
"These forums are very important as they will align the vision of the political representatives with that of the public. The government intends to engage far and wide on these constitutional amendments to help come up with a better document," Mohamud said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Somalia's provisional constitution was approved in 2012, and in January 2024, the parliament resolved to initiate the process of constitutional amendments to produce a final document crucial for the country's nation-building and political stability.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hassan Maalim Mohamud said such engagements complement the ongoing debates within the parliament and provide linkages between the public and parliament, which are currently discussing these same four chapters.
ATMIS political officer Sayid Abdi Hersi highlighted the constitution's vital role in achieving peace and stability, particularly in defining and guiding Somalia's security architecture, both during the transition phase and post-ATMIS.
"The constitution is the backbone of state-building and will support the peace and stability of this country. It promotes reconciliation and social cohesion, crucial for strengthening good governance and the successful Somali transition plan," Hersi added.
Participants urged the government to organize more meetings in various parts of the country to gather additional views and seek clarification on the review process.