Adoption of Somalia's draft constitution delayed

Somalia's Transitional Federal Government has until the 20th of August to complete the country's political transition process. However, the possible adoption of the draft constitution got delayed for the second time, after the constitution committee failed to present the draft to the religious and traditional elders for the final review.

The controversy surrounding the adoption of Somalia's draft constitution gets even more complicated when for the second time in four weeks the draft failed to get to the religious and traditional elders for final review. The draft was scheduled to have long passed through the religious and traditional elders before its adoption by the National Constituent Assembly. Sheikh Bashir Salat, the Chairman of the council of religious scholars of Somalia says this draft is not even available, that they got access to it from other sources after the TFG failed to make the necessary distribution.

Sheikh Bashir Salat, Chairman, Council of religious scholars, said, “For a long time people have been asking for the draft. In our case, officially no one has until now provided copies of the draft to the council of religious scholars. We got the draft from other sources. Finally, it was agreed by 10th of June we were to receive copies, that failed, then yesterday which as well failed."

Other sources say there are internal wrangles within the TFG that led to the several postponements of the draft. This possible shenanigans is what the United States called "Spoilers within" who must be stopped before they derail the process.

Hussein Abdi, Civil Activist, said, “This draft has undergone several changes and amendments, what happened yesterday that led to the delay was that two separate drafts were presented. It also seems that people high in the government have differences regarding this draft. It is possible that the president and the Prime Minister are not agreeing on the constitution, especially clauses on devolution."

With the clock ticking fast and a strict deadline to meet, the TFG is facing tough times ahead and the people of Somali are expectant of long lasting stability. All this could be determined in less than 2 months.

For the second time within a period of four weeks delays impede the adoption of Somalia's draft constitution. This the TFG calls it technical and logistic hindrances, whereas, the civil society is reading mischief in this affair.