New Somalia PM upbeat about his nation’s change of fortunes

[General Duke]

New Somalia PM upbeat about his nation’s change of fortunes

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By Alberto Leny

 

 

 

Prof Ali Mohamed: Prime Minister, Federal Republic of Somalia.

 

Somalia’s new Prime Minister believes his nation stands at a historic turning point and there is unprecedented momentum in the fractured country for change.

 

In his first interview since his appointment last week, Professor Ali Mohamed Ghedi told The Standard the new Federal Republic of Somalia would be guided by three principles – reconciliation, reconstruction and recovery.

 

"If you take responsibility, you must address the challenges," the articulate premier said, as he asserted that the new government-in-exile enjoyed massive support amongst the people of Somalia.

 

The task of reconstruction is enormous after a decade and a half of civil war that has devastated the country and left millions of Somalis dead, maimed or displaced.

 

The pulse of the Somali nation is beginning to beat again. There is optimism in the air as the government sets up structures and institutions in readiness for its return. The veterinary professor is seizing the opportunity with a professionalism gleaned during a career as a veterinarian of repute.

 

Described by close associates as "a technocrat with no affiliation to the warring factions" 53-year-old Ghedi has been portrayed as a consensus-builder and a hard-working man of integrity, blessed with excellent leadership skills.

 

He graduated from the Somali National University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and specialised as a veterinary surgeon at the University of Pisa in Italy.

 

"The people of Somalia are still celebrating the birth of a new baby, the rebirth of Somalia and they are eagerly waiting to welcome their new government home with open arms so that it can provide them with the expected social and economic services," said Ghedi.

 

There was no time to be lost in transferring Somalia’s seat of power from Nairobi, which currently enjoys the unique distinction of hosting two governments, to the capital Mogadishu, Ghedi made clear.

 

"I see us going to Somalia early next year, most likely January or February. As soon as I name the cabinet we will be sending missions to Somalia to assess the situation on the ground and to create the necessary awareness about our political, social and economic goals to the people." The new PM is expected to appoint his cabinet, under the Somalia charter, by December 3.

 

Ghedi is very conscious of the volatility of the situation back home, where thousands of armed militias owing loyalties to "former" warlords still roam towns and countryside.

 

Their disarmament and the deployment of international peacekeepers remain crucial to the restoration of law and order so that the new government can settle down to fulfill its obligations to the people of Somalia.

 

"The need for peacekeepers from the region is of paramount importance and we hope they will be deployed in the next few weeks. There is great need for an effective peacekeeping force. We require a few thousands to protect our government while we are integrating our institutions and setting up the structures," Ghedi said.

 

Recently-inaugurated President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed has asked for 20,000 and the United Nations and African Union are under great pressure to mobilise the force immediately.

 

As for the armed militias controlled by what he insists are "former warlords and faction leaders," Ghedi said they would disarm provided the government offered job opportunities and integration into the national police and army, with vocational training skills after demobilisation.

 

He maintains there are no more warlords or faction leaders, because they were accommodated during peace talks in Kenya, becoming MPs in the Republic of Somalia. By following the peace process through to its conclusion, they accepted peace and are now part of the new Somali government.

 

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Unfortunately there are a few opportunists trying to sabotage this noble endeavour," Ghedi observed in response to the recent assassination of General Mohamed Abdi and last month’s clashes between Somaliland and Puntland, that left at least 100 people dead.

 

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia following the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991 and has remained relatively peaceful since. Puntland leaders declared the region autonomous in 1998, with the aim of reconstituting Somalia as a federal republic.

 

"The assassination of ex-Army General Abdi was unexpected. He was loyal to the people of Somalia and the new government. He was advocating disarmament and welcoming the government to Mogadishu. It is a big loss, but we will not be deterred in our effort to forge peace and rebuild Somalia in his honour and other great Somalis like him," Ghedi said.

 

On the Somaliland-Puntland clash he noted: "We are very sorry about the violence and the deaths of Somali people. I believe the fighting lasted a few hours and action was immediately taken to bring it under control.

 

"A committee of elders from both sides was encouraged by the new President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed to resolve the issues. He is not the president of Puntland. Puntland remains a state with its own local administration. President Yusuf appealed for an end to the fighting and for the reconciliation and negotiation and no more violence is expected," he told The Standard.

 

The task ahead for the new government is enormous and challenging, but with reconciliation continuing, the main work involves ensuring security, restoring law and order and the beginning of reconstruction activities.

 

"The expectations of the Somali people were extremely high during the peace process in Kenya and they have received the news of a new Parliament and a new government with great joy and hope. They don’t wish to go back to the situation that has prevailed for the past 15 years."

 

The momentum of the Somali people in supporting the new President and his appointment as Prime Minister was overwhelming and would provide the inspiration needed to chart Somalia’s future, he said.

 

He dismissed allegations that there had been a campaign for his appointment. "The power to appoint a Prime Minister is the exclusive prerogative of the President. It is not an elective position."

 

Observers of the Somali political scenario say President Yusuf, who comes from the minority ***** clan (Siad Barre was from this clan) played a master card in appointing Ghedi PM.

 

The new Prime Minister comes from the majority ****** clan, whose presidential candidate (former cabinet minister Abdullahi Addou) Yusuf defeated in the presidential elections in Nairobi.

 

With Ghedi as the leader of government, with the power to name new cabinet members, the dominant ****** clan is bound to rally behind the new administration.

 

However, Ghedi the academic wishes to steer away from political gamesmanship, preferring to concentrate on reconciliation, reconstruction and economic recovery.

 

"My appointment as Prime Minister should not be a surprise. For the last 12 years I have been involved in development programmes in my home country and the region with NGOs, the European Commission and the African Union," he noted.

 

Ghedi said his professional and academic background will assist him in the task to revive and boost Somalia’s economy. "Livestock is the backbone of our economy and we wish to develop it alongside other natural resources."

 

He is encouraged by the resourcefulness and resilience of the Somali people and their culture of helping each other, notably business people in the Diaspora who transfer money back home. "Our policy will be to promote free trade in an open market where the private sector will be encouraged to maximize its role."

 

His government will be gender-sensitive and he appreciates the role played by Somali women in business activities, which have enhanced the economic recovery in family units.

 

"I will appoint women to the Cabinet. We will politically, socially and economically integrate women in our government," the PM asserted emphatically.

 

While continuing to discharge his duties at his Nairobi base away from Somalia, Ghedi is effusive in his praise for the role Kenya has played in the rebirth of Somalia.

 

"We are extremely grateful to the people and Government of Kenya. Kenya has successfully spearheaded peace for Somalia for two years under Igad, the African Union and the international community.

 

"In our gratitude we must say that we expected this in the spirit of brotherhood and as neighbours. We shall reciprocate. Kenya has been a tremendous example and you can see the Nobel Peace Prize has come to Kenya for the efforts the country and its people have made."

 

Ghedi appealed to the international community for help. "We thank you for your concern, attention and assistance, Please support this new-born baby which is still very small until it grows and stands on its own."