Federal Govt of Somalia and AhluSunna reach an agreement

Federal Interior Ministry of Somalia has released an agreement it has reached with Alhu-Sunna Wal-Jama’a Group in the Galmudug election dispute, in an effort to pave the way for state-building in Dhusamareeb.

Talks over the last few days between the Ministry of Interior and Federalism and Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a Group have been concluded with a final agreement on Thursday, December 12^th.

To address Ahlu Sunna’s concerns and the obstacles to Galmudug state formation process, The group was allocated 20 seats in the Galmudug parliament which is 89.

Sharing parliament seats was reported to be the largest issue between Somali federal government and Ahlu Sunna group that demanded 35 seats the same as the previous agreement.

The ministry also said that this has been achieved following negotiations over the past two months with the Federal Government and Ahlu Sunna, while the main issue between the two sides was the issue of parliament selection and allocation of Ahlu Sunna.

The agreement comes after constant efforts from traditional elders, businessmen, politicians, prominent individuals from the region and the international community, which the ministry said that all have tirelessly tried to broker a deal between the sides.

Mahad Salad, who is a member of Somali Federal Parliament and a presidential candidate of Galmudug State, posted on his Facebook page has congratulated both sides and thanked Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre for his efforts.

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Donald Y. Yamamoto has welcomed the agreement reached between the Federal Government of Somalia and the leadership of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ).  In a press statement, the Ambassador applauded the hard work of negotiators to reach an inclusive agreement that ensures the long-term stability and prosperity of Galmudug state.