Preparatory Committee calls for National Conference to be as inclusive as possible

PRESS RELEASE - Nairobi, 20 June 2011 – The Preparatory Committee for the forthcoming National Conference on Ending the Transition held a fifth round of discussions on Monday. The Committee, which includes representatives from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP), the Governments of Puntland and Galmudug, the African Union, IGAD and the United Nations is responsible for making arrangements for the National Conference.

Article Keydmedia Online
2 July 2011

The main purpose of the National Conference is to build support for the Kampala Accord and to adopt a Roadmap to end the Transition.

The Preparatory Committee is determined to ensure that the Conference will be as inclusive as possible.  In addition to the TFG, TFP and the Governments of Puntland and Galmudug, there will be representatives from Ahlu Sunna Wa’al Jamaa, the business community, civil society, clan elders, diaspora, intellectuals, regional authorities, religious leaders, women and youth.

The meeting will agree on a Roadmap and an implementation plan outlining the key tasks that need to be completed within the coming months. These tasks include the reform of the TFIs, finalisation and adoption of a new Constitution, restoring security and building national security institutions, outreach and reconciliation, delivering basic administrative and social services, improving accountability and preparing for a constitutional referendum and national elections.

The final decision on the location, date and number of participants will be taken in the light of an ongoing security assessment.

The Preparatory Committee is determined that this will be a Conference of Somalis, for Somalis, in Somalia. It must be as inclusive as possible.