Somalia requires timely support for its post-liberation efforts

Former Kenyan Ambassador to Somalia, Mohammed Affey, was recently appointed the Igad Special Envoy to Somalia. He spoke to Fred Oluoch about efforts by Somalia to prepare for the 2016 elections, increased Al Shabaab attacks and regional efforts in the country.

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What was your brief after being appointed in December 2013, and what has been your assessment of the situation in Somalia?

My brief is to engage with Somali leaders; assess the security situation in Mogadishu and the roadmap to the 2016 elections. Where there are challenges we look at how as a region we can help to overcome them.

My assessment is that the Somali government despite being appreciative of the support so far given, is deeply frustrated with the international community for not honouring its pledges. The expectations of the government and region in the fulfilment of the Brussels Conference that saw pledges of real and timely support, have not been met.

Based on our assessment the lack of support has impacted post-liberation operations. The government of Somalia has to provide basic services to the communities in the liberated areas while the international community should offer timely support so that the government has the capacity to fill any vacuums.

There is concern that Mogadishu is not keen on a federal system and is working hard to install a centralised system contrary to the interim Constitution. What is your take on this?

The government has provided a clear roadmap and they are obliged under the interim Constitution to implement the formation of federal states and complete the Constitution.

We have encouraged Somalia to fast track the formation of a regional government — like the interim Jubba administration — to complete the establishment of a local parliament; integrate militias and reconcile the clans.

The government said that they have shared a zero draft of the Constitution with parliament and regional bodies. Igad is satisfied with the explanation given by the President and the Prime Minister that things are moving in the right direction.

We also endorsed the government’s intention to establish three regions: Bay, Bakool and  Lower Shabelle.

You’re targeting having a new Constitution by the end of 2014, yet the process has not started. Will the process involve a few people or take in the views of all stakeholders in Somalia?

It is true that the process has not started but we are exerting pressure on the government. Time is not on their side and the Somali people and entire region expect the process to be completed by 2014.

We believe that this is an achievable goal that will also see elections held in 2016. Our visits are meant to create the necessary impetus to pass a new Constitution and for the Somali people to take part in elections after two decades of no participation in universal suffrage.

Are you frustrated by the slow progress in Somalia?

Frustration is a very strong word but I feel we could have done more in Somalia, especially on the pledges made. The delay in honouring pledges could set the Somalia government up for failure.

I am also concerned that South Sudan might overshadow Somalia, to the detriment of the progress made so far. The happenings in South Sudan could overshadow the crisis in Somalia. The world must not forget Somalia.

Why are we seeing increased attacks by Al Shabaab? 

The Al Shabaab are being pushed out of their bases in the rural areas through a major offensive by Amisom. That is why Mogadishu is now suffering and we are likely to see more attacks in the near future.

It is a serious challenge for the government, which lacks the capacity to deal with insecurity. The government must therefore by empowered.

Despite Al Shabaab being a criminal gang, they were organised. The government needs to provide citizens with basic services like schools, bore holes and sanitation to counter Al Shabaab’s influence.

What is your view about a recent UN report that says that some officials in the government are working with Al Shabaab and diverting arms?

We have no capacity to confirm the claims but if they are true then we expect the government to act. The government has asked for more concrete information so that the culprits can be identified.

Ethiopia will join Uganda, Burundi and Kenya in Amisom. What are the region’s key interests in Somalia?

As a former ambassador, I know the region is keen on having a secure Somalia as this will result in a peaceful region. Another key goal for the region is for Somalia to have a working government. The region through Amisom is invested in a stable Somalia.