NRC REPARATORY ACTIVITIES AT NATIONAL LEVEL
1. Policy Statement;
2. concept paper,
3. NRC objectives;
4. mechanisms for implementation;
5. Participants;
6. NRC budget at National level.
7. Invitations to the international community:
a) Governments
b) International and Regional organizations.
c) INGOs
Baidoa, March 01, 2007
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF
SOMALIA ON LAUNCHING OF THE NATIONAL
RECONCILIATION CONGRESS
Hon. Speaker,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Transitional Federal Government is very much pleased to present to the Somali people today a very important programme for achieving a lasting peace in Somalia and for restoring the unity, statehood and national dignity of Somalia. This policy announcement is aimed at cementing the foundation for revival, reconstruction and development in Somalia.
Ever since I declared the urgent need for holding a National Reconciliation Conference at the AU summit in Addis Ababa, internal consultations were taking place within the Federal Institutions. I am pleased to announce today that the TFIs are fully united in launching the Congress and in the aims and
objectives of this exercise to bring about good governance and peaceful Somalia.
Consequently, I wish to hereby declare to the Somali people that the launching and preparatory work of the Congress are to commence, since the programme of action is conclusively complied and ready to be handed over to the authorities of the Congress. Similarly, the international community will soon get the preparatory documents and action plan for the Congress.
I am therefore honoured to declare to the nation that the Preparatory Works of the National Reconciliation Congress have begun. The Preparatory Government documentations for the Congress will be handed over shortly to the independent Committee of the NRC. The Government will also readily share this information with the International Community for timely financial, logistics and technical support. The presence of international independent observers will be appreciated.
The National Reconciliation Congress shall be chaired and led by an Independent Committee composing of national imminent persons of re-known reputation within the Somali Nation and abroad. The Committee is independent from the TFIs in their deliberations while respecting the Transitional Federal Charter.
I therefore appeal to all Federal Institutions to give their un-reserved assistance and full cooperation to the Committee in discharging their heavy national responsibilities. I also appeal to the people of Somalia to extend all possible assistance to the distinguished Committee.
The Preparatory works of the National Reconciliation Congress shall commence today, March 1st, 2007 and will continue for forty-five days. The number of participants is 3,000 persons (three thousand) representing all regions and districts of the Somali Republic from all walks of life of the Somali society. The Congress shall be convened in Mogadishu on April 16th, 2007. The National Congress shall be followed by a series of reconciliation conferences at regional and district levels.
Holding a national reconciliation congress becomes a national imperative and an urgent strategic objective of this Government given the sensitive transitional period through which Somalia is passing today. The expected outcome of the NRC will surely reflect on our efforts at achieving genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in our country as well as the revival and restoration of Somalia's fine international image and preservation of our sovereignty. We believe the best way to realize these national objectives is to engage in genuine reconciliation between our citizens to seek forums and venue for forgiveness for the painful past misdeeds committed during the vicious civil war in Somali history.
The Government will pursue a policy of good governance and accountability while providing space for citizens to participate in and contribute to the decision-making processes affecting our national fate.
The Federal Transitional Institutions will solemnly give priority and respect to the outcome of the NRC with the main objective of reaching lasting and sustainable peace in Somalia.
In the light of the above national efforts and tremendous tasks ahead in the way of holding a congress of that magnitude and national importance, the Transitional Federal Government appeals to the donor, international community and friendly states for urgent and timely financial, logistics and expertise support to ensure a successful convention and conclusion of the National Reconciliation Congress ( NRC).
In conclusion, I appeal to all citizens of our nation to maintain peace, avoiding all kinds of hostilities and destabilization activities.
Thank you.
ROADMAP TO GOVERNANCE, NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND RECONCILIATION IN SOMALIA
I CONCEPT NOTE
The current situation in Somalia offers a unique opportunity for peace and national reconciliation. This opportunity must be seized to bring about a lasting peace throughout the country. No doubt this has been the product of success in the battlefield for which sacrifices have been made. It is nonetheless clear that what the military victory offers is not an already finished and well packaged victory. Military victory rarely offers that kind of success. What a military victory does is to provide the opportunity to the victor-if the cause is just and fair-to shape the political outcome and future political developments. Here too, no matter how big the military victory might be unless the victor utilizes the opportunity wisely, including for broadening its base and acceptability, the victory achieved can be squandered sooner or later.
Presently, Somalia has an opportunity to rise from the stateless situation of the last sixteen years. The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) has the chance to lead the process of reviving Somalia from the ashes of the vicious Civil War. The challenges faced by the TFG in various areas-political, security, economic and social- are immense and, addressing these challenges is going to be an uphill struggle, a daunting task. But the first steps towards all these have to be taken immediately.
The solutions to this monumental task is possible through a political framework that would provide a scheme for all Somalis belonging to the different segments of the society, regardless of their political orientations and shades of opinion, to come together regionally and nationally to map out a strategy of a common vision for sustainable peace, national reconciliation and political dialogue. This would consequently pave the way for stability, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country as whole.
In this regard, identifying issues, available opportunities and specific actions to address those challenges and use them in a fruitful manner is of utmost importance. As it is well known, Somalia has been embroiled in a clan conflict both for power and resources. This has led to a crisis situation that tended to resist the establishment of institutions of national governance.
Following strenuous efforts spear-headed by IGAD together with the support of the international community, Somalia has now a legitimate government, the TFG, which is prepared to spear-head the efforts for reconciliation and dialogue among the Somalis with the view to strengthening national unity and consolidating the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs). With the current reality on the ground, the TFIs need to be re-invigorated and reformed to be in a position to address the challenges for achieving sustainable peace and stability.
Reconciliation and dialogue therefore ought to be far-reaching beginning at grass-roots level and convened at District, Regional and National levels. It should also clearly address questions such as who leads the process, who participates in and expected outcome of this endeavor.
This process from its initiation and implementation is entirely owned and conducted by the Somali people under the leadership of the TFIs. Somali stakeholders shall be responsible for the design of the different stages of the governance and reconciliation process and should shoulder the responsibility of carrying out the outcomes of the process. The commitment of the TFG in executing the responsibility of implementing the outcome of the process, addressing grievances of communities is critical for the credibility of the process in the eyes of both the Somali people and international community.
The initiative draws its importance from the fact that the President of the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic, H.E. Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, had solemnly announced at the 8th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government that a National Reconciliation and Dialogue Congress would be soon launched to bring together all Somali stakeholders to take part in the renaissance of Somalia.
The Transitional Federal Government shall be responsible for:
a) The creation of a secure environment in Somalia for the success of the National Reconciliation Congress.
b) Mobilization of the necessary financial resources for the Congress
c) The oversight and supervision on the NRC funds to insure accountability and transparency.
The National Reconciliation Commission shall be responsible to facilitate Inter and Intra-clan reconciliation by providing space and suitable environment within the Congress.
The following are among the expected outcomes of the NRC: ON SOMALIA:
a) Declaration on the cessation of all hostilities and commitment to Peace.
b) Adoption of nationwide verifiable mechanisms for the disarmament of the population.
ON THE CLAN LEVEL:
c) Reconciliation of Intra and inter-clan conflicts by way of facilitating clans' clan dialogue to bring about admission of past misdeeds and forgiveness.
d) Resolutions on disputes on land, properties etc. by putting in place recourse and restoration mechanisms.
ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL:
Adoption of resolutions on:
a) good Governance;
b) A fair and inclusive power-sharing in the TFIs at District, Regional and National levels based on the Transitional Federal Charter;
c) Equitable sharing of national resources;
d) The future National Constitution Making Process
To realize this noble objective based on current situation on the ground, the following implementation mechanisms and action plan are envisaged.
II. MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVE
In order to carry out the implementation of the initiative by the President, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has envisaged the establishment of a mechanism for National Reconciliation Congress that consists of the chairing Governance and Reconciliation Committee at National, Regional and District levels.
1. The Governance and Reconciliation Committee 1.1 Establishment.
1.1.1 The National Governance and Reconciliation Committee (NGRC) shall have six members based on realistic arrangements reflecting the objective conditions on the ground, consisting of national imminent personalities of re-known reputation within the Somali communities and abroad. The members of the National Committee shall be appointed by a Presidential Decree following extensive consultations with the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP), the Prime Minister and prominent national stakeholders. The National Committee shall be accountable to the TFIs leadership.
1.1.2. The NGRC shall have a Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons appointed by
a Presidential Decree following extensive consultations with the TFP Speaker, the Prime
Minister and prominent national stakeholders.
1.1.3. The NGRC shall have a Secretariat to be headed by a Secretary-General appointed by a Presidential Decree following extensive consultations with the Speaker, Prime Minister. The Secretariat shall provide support for the activities of the NGRC and NRC.
I.I. 4 The Secretary-General is responsible for the overall management of the activities of the NRC and shall be accountable to the NGRC.
1.2 The National Governance and Reconciliation Committee shall have the
following tasks.
1.2.1. To independently manage and guide the NRC while respecting the Transitional Federal Charter.
1.2.2. The National Committee may establish congressional organs and sub-committees as appropriate.
12.3. To insure that the selection criteria of the Congressional participants is consistent with the established 4.5 sharing formula.
1.2.4. To set the Agenda of the NRC .
1.2.5. To organize Regional and District Conferences to designate Regional and District Councils where such bodies do not exist on the basis of the Congressional Resolutions.
3.1. NATIONAL RECONCILIATION CONGRESS
3.1.1. COMPOSITION
The National Reconciliation Congress ( NRC) shall be composed of three thousand participants designated by the regions. Representatives of the Diaspora shall take part in this Congress. Similarly, international observers shall be invited to attend the Congress.
3.1.2. OBJECTIVES
The Objectives of the Congress shall be:
3.1.3 To create opportunity for genuine national reconciliation under auspices of the TFG.
3.1.4 To lay the foundation for addressing grievances with respect to representation in governance both at Federal, Regional and District levels.
3.1.5 To provide the Somali people with the opportunity to participate in decisions on the system of governance as a foundation for sustainable peace in Somalia.
3.1.6 To lay down the foundation of a mechanism supporting the TFG's efforts in the settlement of disputes on properties, land and other related matters.
3.1.7 To adopt resolutions with a view to establishing inclusive, functioning and effective governance institutions in the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia.
3.1 GOALS
3.2 The Congress aims at achieving the following goals:
3.3 To insure fair and equitable representation of all Somali stakeholders in the Transitional Federal Institutions at local, regional and national levels based on the TF Charter.
3.4 To insure that the National dialogue and governance will be sustained through upholding duly established national institutions as per Charter.
3.5 To insure that the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Process is conducted in a credible, transparent and accountable manner.
3.6 To create a conducive political environment for national unity and durable through the resolution of intra and inter-clan differences.
3.7 NRC MANAGEMENT
Management of the National Reconciliation Congress..
NRC - Secretary General
The Secretary General is responsible for the overall management of the activities of the of the National Reconciliation Congress. In the fulfillment of his tasks, he shall be assisted by four Assistants Secretary General who are individually responsible for a specific area of activities, as reported below:
1. Assistant Secretary General responsible for Administration.
2. Assistant Secretary General responsible for the Press and Public Relations.
3. Assistant Secretary General responsible for Operations.
4. Assistant Secretary General responsible for Finance.
Following operational sub-committees shall be established:
• Participants' Selection Sub-Committee;
• Participants Accommodation Sub-Committee;
• Participants' Health Sub-Committee;
• Participants' Transportation Sub-Committee;
• Participants' Security Sub-Committee.
Participants' Selection Sub-Committee (PSsQ
The (PSsC) coordinates with Regional and Districts' Authorities the necessary facilities to ensure a smooth selection of delegates and their timely arrival at the venue of the Congress.
Participants' Accommodation Sub-Committee (PAsO
The (PAsC) organizes, in collaboration with Mogadishu Authorities, the accommodation for the participants of the NRC, observers, technical support teams, resource persons, etc.
Participants' Health Sub-Committee (PHsQ)
The (PHsC) organizes, in collaboration with the Health Authorities, the required health services and facilities for the participants of the NRC and other distinguished guests.
Paticipants' Transportation Sub-Committee (PTsC).
The (PTsC) organizes, in collaboration with Mogadishu Authorities, the transportation facilities for the participants of the NRC and other distinguished guests.
Participants' Security Sub-Committee (PSsC)
The (PSsC) organizes, in collaboration with the Security Forces, the required security services for the participants of the NRC and other distinguished guests.
Each sub-committee shall consist of seven members of which one shall act as a chairman and another one as a secretary.
All sub-committees shall be accountable to the Assistant Secretary General for the organization and coordination of NRC security and facilities.
NRC - PLENARY SESSIONS - SUPPORT SERVICES
1) Secretaries.
Assumption is made that the NRC shall be held in four different halls (two at ex. Scuola Polizia, National Theatre and former Party HQ. Subsequently four NRC plenary secretaries shall be required. Each of them shall involve the recruitment of:
4 professional secretaries, 3 assistant secretaries; 2 professional translators;
2 computer operators;
3 photocopy operators (production of NRC documents); 5 auxiliary staff.
2) Advisory Board.
Assumption is made that up-dating the participants on issues relevant to the NRC proceedings through back-ground information, official documents, specialized papers, clarification on thorny issues, etc; would considerably help the participants in addressing properly NRC agenda. For the purpose, an Advisory Board made-up of 9 (nine) experts on reconciliation matters shall be hired.
3) Post-conflict Resource Persons
Assumption is made that informing the participants about the reconciliation experiences of African post-conflict societies would immensely have constructive influence on their deliberations. To that effect, benefiting from the experience of Rwanda and South-Africa would be helpful. As a corollary, inviting two teams of 10 (ten) persons each from these countries seems quite appropriate.
III. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OF THE ROADMAP TO GOVERNANCE, NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND RECONCILIATION
3.1. In order to start implementing the Roadmap as promptly as possible, the following plan of action is proposed:
3.2. The plan would identify the activities to be undertaken each month/week, by the institutions and stakeholders involved in the process.
3.3. CALENDER
February 15 -March 15, 2007: The President of the Transitional Federal Government announces the scope and focus of the Roadmap for the National Reconciliation Dialogue. He will launch and outline the detailed plan and explain that the process would be implemented in a transparent and inclusive manner.
The President officially holds consultations with the Speaker, the Prime Minister and prominent stakeholders on the selection and appointment of the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee (NGRC).
The President directs the Government to initiate contacts with various potential internal and external contributors in financing the activities of the Congress. These include business community, non-governmental institutions, government and international organizations.
March 16 -April 10, 2007: The President approves Security Plan and implementation modalities of the NRC. He inspects Congressional infrastructure.
April 10-15, 2007: TFIs meets with National Governance and Reconciliation Committee to assess the overall readiness of the activities of the impending Congress. NRC delegates arrive in Mogadishu. April 16, 2007. Opening Ceremony of the NRC.
June 15, 2007: Closing
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION CONGRESS BUDGET
In US dollars USS
I. PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES: 250.000.00
1. Preparation, publication and Distribution of NRC documents
2. Appointment of Key Sub-committees
3. Recruitment of Key Personnel
4. Identification of NRC sites in Mogadishu
5. Establishment of contacts
with external consultants, Advisory Board, Resources Persons and international organizations
II. OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF NRC ACTIVITIES 4,000.000.00
1. Development of Peace,
Reconciliation and Communication
Package 2,000,000.00
a) Mobilization of national media
b) Organization of workshops, seminars, public Debates .etc
c) Organization of poetry and drama scripts and Organization of theatre
d) Promotion of Qur'an reading, poetry recitation, Sports and inter-regional folklore contests.
e) Awareness campaign materials: T-shirts, bill-board, postcards, and calendars .etc
2. ACTIVITIES OF JUMP-STARTING THE
NRC AT REGIONAL LEVEL: 2.000.000.00
a) Visits and tours of Federal MPs and National
Commissions to their constituencies. 800,000.00
b) Provision of support funds to regional
and district administrations for the selection process. 1,200,000.00
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HI. ESTABLISHMENT OF NRC FACILITIES 6,000.000.00
1. Rehabilitation and remodeling of NRC Conference Halls. 2,300,000.00
2. Plenary, Committees and Secretariat seating and working
facilities 700,000.00
3. Rooms, chairs, tables, etc
a) Ventilation system ( Air-conditioners, fans, etc)
b) Public address systems
c) Electric generators
d) Technical equipments) Computers with heavy duty printers and photocopy machines, fax machines, internet access and accessories).
e) Water and sanitation at NRC sites.
4. ESTABLISHMENT OF SECURITY SYSTEM 500,000.00
a) Gate-scans
b) Handheld detectors
c) Walky-talkies
d) Vehicles with mounted Radio.
5. TRANSPORT 2,500,000.00
Purchase of:
a) Large buses
b) 4-wheel drive picks for security support
c) Ambulances
d) Motto-cycles for traffic and security use
IV. NRC GENERAL MEETING 8,400.000.00
1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT 500,000.00
a) National Governance and Reconciliation Committee
b) TFIs Support Organs (Ministerial Committee,
Parliamentary Committee and National Reconciliation Commission).
c) Secretariat
d) Operational Sub-committees
e) Support personnel
2. NRC TECHNICAL SUPPORT 1,000,000.00
a) Local Advisory Board
b) Post-conflict societies's Reconciliation
Experts (Rwanda, South-Africa, etc).
c) International Consultants on reconciliation strategy
d) International Technical assistance
e) Security Support
15
3. PARTICIANTS 6.000.000.00
a) Transport 1,500,000.00
i) Participants
ii) Diaspora
iii) Post-conflict resource persons
b) Accommodation and catering: 4,500,000.00
i) Participants
ii) Observers
4. PROCUREMENT AND OPERATIONAL
EXPENSES 900.000.00
a) Opening and Closing Ceremonies 100,000.00
b) Office rent and facilities for the
Preparatory Committee 20,000.00
c) Vehicle rentals ( buses, lorries
And cars 100,000.00
d) Fuel and lubricants 150,000.00
e) Stationery and supplies 50,000.00
f) Medicare 150,000.00
g) Communication charges 50,000.00
h) Public relations and entertainment 200,000.00
i) Consumables 30,000.00
j) Miscellaneous 50,000.00
V. PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION 50,000.00
OF NRC RESOLUTIONS
VI. PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES FOR THE
REGIONAL/DISTRICT GOVERNANCE
AND RECONCILIATION COUNCILS 100,000.00
SUB-TOTAL 18,800,000.00
VTL UNFORSEEN EXPENSES (about 10%) 1,880.000.00
TOTAL 20,680.000.00
Estimated Budget for the Regional/District Governance
and Reconciliation Councils as follow-up of the NRC
at National Level (58% of twenty million six hundred eighty) 12,000,000
GRAND TOTAL 32.680.000.
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THE CHAIRING NGRC
1. Ali Mahdi Mohamed Chairman
2. Mohamed Yusuf Muro Vice Chairman
3. Farah Wa' ays Dhuule Vice Chairman
4. Ahmed Sheikh Mukhtar Vice Chairman
5. Mohamud Jirde Hussein Vice Chairman
6. Abdirahman Abdi Hussein Vice Chairman