From: Free Somalia Press

Mogadishu, Saturday, 19 April 2014 – His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed concluded his seven-day working visit to Kismayo with a ceremony to mark the progress made during his visit. The ceremony signals the success of the visit of H.E. the Prime Minister and the commitment of the Interim Jubba Administration (IJA) and other stakeholders to promoting peace and harmony amongst the people of Jubba. The leader of the Interim Jubba Administration H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), parliamentarians, cabinet members, traditional elders, women’s groups, religious leaders, diplomats, UN and AMISOM officials attended the ceremony, which was held at the former Insurance Centre.

Representatives from the UN, AMISOM, IGAD and the neighbouring countries praised the progress made during the Prime Minister’s visit and the agreement between the political factions in Jubba vowing to support the peace process and the implementation of the agreement.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that progress in Jubba benefits all communities. His Excellency praised the leadership and efforts of H.E. Ahmed Madobe and his administration, the traditional elders and women’s groups of Jubba, calling on them to collectively continue to work for peace, collaboration and the development of Jubba.

It was announced during the ceremony that the troops who had been positioned outside the city of Kismayo for some time have now agreed to come into the city after engaging in successful talks with leaders from the federal government, IJA, and traditional elders. This marks the beginning of a process to officially integrate those troops into the Somali National Army so that they can receive their rightful benefits and salaries.

“We are all committed to working for peace and collaboration, and it is my hope that all Somalis will work towards a better Somalia. The period of conflict, war and mistrust is over. We are turning towards peace, development and peaceful co-existence for the people of Jubba,” the Prime Minister said.

A communiqué was read before the participants of the ceremony that outlines all the points that were agreed upon and reaffirms the commitment of all parties to the Addis Ababa agreement between the Federal Government and the Interim Jubba Administration. The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts made by the Interim Jubba Administration and paid tribute to SNA Forces and AMISOM for their role in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

After extensive consultations with the IJA and the community in general, the Prime Minister:

1. Instructed the full implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement;

2. Instructed responsible authorities in the FGS in coordination with IJA and community leaders to immediately work out the implementation of the integration of the forces in the Jubba Regions;

3. Welcomed the recently established Technical Security Committee and instructed the committee to fast-track on-going integration efforts;

4. Established a joint high level committee to chart out action plan for the implementation of the outstanding issues in the Addis Ababa and Mogadishu Agreements;

5. Acknowledged the supportive role of IGAD and Ethiopia in the implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement;

6. Urged the International Community to assist FGS and IJA priority programs in the Jubba;

7. Endorsed the reconciliation committee to organise Kismayo reconciliation conference;

8. Established inter-clan peace committees composed of elders and women groups to help the reconciliation efforts in the region;

9. Advised IJA to establish the regional assembly as soon as possible;

10. Welcomed IJA to engage with the National Defence Working Groups (DWG);

11. Instructed relevant federal institutions to provide the necessary support to IJA line institutions;

12. Directed the Federal Ministry of Defence to enlist SNA troops from the Jubba Regions so that they participate in the Concept of Operations (CONOPS). This undertaking should be concluded within the next 4 weeks;

13. Strongly warned those who obstruct the on-going peace processes in the country and appealed to IGAD and the international community to cooperate with the FGS in taking measures against the obstructers.

–END–