Political crisis for New State

At the end of September 2013, in Mogadishu, Somalia, was created a new political crisis, triggered by the Parliament, who decided to stay in idle for a time, without holding any sessions, after 54’s Members of Parliament from Southwest regions were recalled by their elders. After signing an agreement with Ahmed Madobe, Kismayo warlord, at the beginning of the month, the elders decided to withdraw from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud’s government. This decision had a great impact on the political situation, as since the decision was taken, many government officials were kicked out by Baidoa’s administration.

The Digil and Mirifle, which is one of the most major clans that inhabit Somalia’s southwest part, held demonstrations against New Deal conference. The President was accused by elders of putting his personal interest in front of the national interest and also of blackmailing them. The elders put their hope in the Government, as they believed it could establish the security of the country and also bring law and order into it, but the situation was worsened by the President.

During a few days, there were more meetings between elders and Government, which resulted with some success, although none of them was willing to give in regarding some positions, but at last the both parts made their compromises. Jawari, who is the active President, tried to assure the people that the Government will take into consideration the concerns of citizens and will respect their right without contravening the country’s constitution. After some meetings they had, the elders and the Government have agreed on the establishment of Southwest State, which will consist of6 regions: Bakool,Lower Shabelle, Bay, Gedo, Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba. The Southwest State will be an autonomous state within Somalia. So after a few rounds of negotiation on what regards the process and timeframes of the new state, the two parts have ended by an agreement.

The meetings took place in Baidoa, which will be the state’s capital city and is placed 240 km southwest of Mogadishu.The Southwest State was at first came into being in 2002 in Baidoa, in order to preside over the Bay as well as Bakool regions and it was rehabilitated in 2011(month of April). In September 2013, negotiations for establishing the new State were held between the acting President, members of cabinets, Members of Parliament and Digil and Mirifle elders. The delegates of the conference held for the establishment of the New State were waited to pass the Constitution of State and elect the members of Parliament for the Southwest State.

The Southwest State will be the largest federal state of Somalia. For the Baidoa conference, there were established six responsible committees, each of them responsible for a specific area, as follows: security, media relation, hospitality, conflict resolution, constitution and political. There was not yet established an official date for the Conference, but the city has tightened its security. The organizers are planning it already and make sure they will manage the event at highest standards, as the event will bring International delegates and media to the city.

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