Elders arrive in Mogadishu to discuss constitution amid threats from Al-Shabaab
Mogadishu (SDN) –Over the last week traditional leaders and elders have been making their way to Somalia’s capital to take part in the constitution ratification process led by the transitional federal government.
According to Hasan Mahamed Jim’aale one of the ministers involved, the process is currently underway and is on schedule with the arrival of the community leaders and other stakeholders in the city.
The African Union’s deputy envoy to Somalia Wafula Wamuyiyi said the peace process in Somalia is headed in the right direction and the constitution is expected to be ratified by May 15th 2012.
The transitional federal government has been preoccupied with the new constitution which now faces scrutiny from the public and a special commission.
Meetings have been taking place in Mogadishu over the last few days between government officials, academics, politicians and traditional elders who oppose the contents of the new constitution promoted by the transitional federal government.
In related news Al-Shabaab’s spokesman Ali Dheere told journalists that he is encouraging civilians to avoid involvement in the constitution process saying that it is contrary to Islamic values. He also stated Al-Shabaab will target those that help ratify the constitution and branded them as apostates.
SDN-Mogadishu