However, I was involved in the Somali Peace Conference at Embagahty, Kenya where I and Abdulkadir Babe have remained at the conference in order to save it after Muse Sudi Yalahow has withdrawn from it. Technically, I was the one attending the Leaders Committee Meetings and many things came up during the course of our meetings including the Somali Clan Formula and stood firmly in support of it. Always, I have argued that, parliamentary seats should be distributed on the basis of Somali Clan Formula of 4.5 for the following reasons:

1. Gen. Mohamed Siad Barre, has created unfair imbalances in the number of regions and districts in favor of Darood which can’t be the basis for distribution of parliamentary seats; 2. There is no real population census in the country to know exactly the total number of people living in region, district or village to base parliamentary seats etc.

3. Member of Parliament must have a constituency to represent but many instances several Somali Clans their territories were occupied by outsiders and couldn’t dare to go back and visit their own people. Who will represent those whose territories are occupied? The only way these people and their territories can get representation in a Somali Parliament is under the auspices of clan (i.e., people of Lower Shabelle and Upper Jubba);

4. The people from the breakaway regions of North-West and Togdheer regions a.k.s Somaliland who chose unity over secession but yet the territories where they hail from claims to be separate from Somali Republic and we can’t turn our backs to them. Thus, the only way that they can get representation is to distribute parliamentary seats based on Somali Clan Formula of 4.5 and have an all-inclusive Somali government.

Nevertheless, it is not meant to put down certain people in the country “as half persons” that, many have voiced as a concern but believe me Mr. Faroole, president of Puntland administration at the Garoowe Meeting on the whole issue he was wrong to refuse the Somali Clan Formula of 4.5 simply because this category of people are mostly dispersed in the other Big 4 Clans of Somalia. This is because he dismisses other pertinent issues to the Somali Clan Formula of 4.5. However, the people who were not involved in the Embagathy, Kenya Somali Reconciliation and Peace Conference where many of the issues surrounding the Somali Clan Formula of 4.5 were discussed wouldn’t know how to make sense out of it. Plus, at the present there is no practical proposal in which Somali clans can divide political power among themselves where there is no option for free and fair elections. How, can the international community trust the TFG to manage once again the provisions of goods and service on behalf of the government for the people? Why, should they insist on serving the country without achievement?

Nevertheless, Somalia has suffered over more than two decades of wars, famine, drought, malnutrition, diseases, exodus of hundred thousands of refugees living in squalid camps in neighboring countries, hundred thousands of internally displaced people uprooted by fighting and as a result many lives have been lost. Are we happy where we are? NO! We either step back into an abyss or move forward to bring change to our country with assistance of the international community or be content with the situation in Somalia. In my view, it has to be a bad leadership and there is an African Proverb that, says, “when the leader limps, the flock doesn’t reach the pastures”. Indeed, a great leader propels people to a greater prosperity, a limping one makes society stagnate and a bad one kills people which are what has been happening in Somalia.

Finally, we are fast approaching the expiration date of TFG mandate and there is a need to fast-track the process of selection and appointment of the members of parliament for the next administration and a time-table to be followed which is yet missing from the Road-Map. However, the question is how do we move forward? Time and speed is of the essence and thus, I would suggest the following: 1. Appoint, a selection committee of 15 members composed of prominent Somalis, Somali Traditional Leaders, UN and International experts in the conceived field and confident enough to select and appoint 225 members of parliament for 4 year non-renewal, 2. The selection and appointment of members of parliament must be based on the Somali Clan Formula of 4.5 for clan parity and inclusively, 3. Parliament, must have 10% women which should be mandatory to all clans, 4. Members of parliament, must have a minimum of High School Certificate, have previous work experience and must speak one foreign language, 5. Members of parliament must also have a good conduct and integrity; and 6. Members of parliament, are not tainted by the civil war, sectarian war, genocide and crimes against humanity or and corruption and financial crimes.



Dr. Abdi Mohamed Ulusso