Arbitration committee addresses deadlock

During the first week of August, an arbitration committee composed of prominent poets, clerics and intellectuals was set up to mediate the longstanding deadlock between Somaliland's executive and the Lower House of Parliament. The agreement mediated by the group of nine was released on August 21, 2007.

Three important political points have been agreed upon:

1. The House of Representatives should vote again on the two rejected NEC nominees.
   
2. The government must apply the 2007 budget as approved by the House of Representatives.
   
3. The government must release the three leaders of the QARAN Political Association. Their right to participate in politics must be reinstated. Their case must be heard when they are freed. They must also not engage in campaigns that might threaten peace.

All the political actors have agreed on these points. The mediation committee has also advised the government to implement the following steps:

1. The government should present to the House of Representatives all agreements and pacts that it reaches with foreign countries and companies.
   
2. The government should on time present to the House of Representatives the annual financial reports.
   
3. The government should present to the House of Representatives its yearly political program at its appropriate time.
   
4. The President should present to the House of Representatives his annual speech as mandated by the Constitution.
   
5. Law must be followed when arresting people.
   
6. Generally all branches must respect the constitutional powers of other branches.
   

The members of the arbitration committee include:

1. Mohammed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadraawi), Poet
2. Sheikh Mohammed Omer Dirir
3. Mohammed Hashi Dhama (Gaariye), Poet
4. Sheikh Ismael Abdi Hurre
5. Sheikh Yussuf Adan Mohammed
6. Prof Suleiman Gulaid (Amoud University)
7. Dr. Adan Yussuf Abokor
8. Saeed Ahmed Mohamoud
9. Mohammed Saeed Gees (Academy for Peace and Development)

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