Friday, November 08, 2013
The three day reconciliation conference held in Mogadishu for the
different clans and political groups of Jubbaland successfully ended on
Wednesday evening.
The 200 delegates discussed ways to enhance on-going peace building
and reconciliation efforts, how to increase security and re-integrate
armed groups and extend the fight against terrorism, and provide for
economic progress and social development.
The communiqué signed by all delegations committed the parties to
continued reconciliation, an inclusive Interim Jubba Administration,
amalgamating all local forces into the Somali National Army and to
working alongside the Somali Federal Government and AMISOM to clear
Al-Shabaab from the remainder of the region.
The participants agreed to fully accept the Addis Ababa Agreement of
August 2013 and to strengthen the role of civil society in the Jubba
regions.
It calls for the peaceful re-integration and redeployment of the Juba
armed groups to form unified force, noting that it is of the utmost
importance for salaries to be paid in a timely manner, with appropriate
training and equipment provided.
It also calls for the establishment of ex-militant demobilization, disarmament and re-integration centers.
Participants agree to develop local available resources; encourage
trade and private industries; re-establish education centers and
vocational training centers; and establish public health services at
district and village level.
It is also agreed that the Federal Government and the International
Community will give support to the Juba regions to meet its residents'
need for basic social services.
The delegates acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government of
Somalia and commended the support by the international community and
especially of the Government of Ethiopia for its tireless support.
The final stage of the reconciliation conference will be held in
Kismayo. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon called the agreement an
"opportunity for all the communities of Jubba to move forward together
as a united region".
He said "After three days of open and inclusive reconciliation talks
between the communities of the Jubba region today's agreement is a great
achievement and huge opportunity for the Jubba region. This agreement
gives all the communities of Jubba the opportunity to move forward
towards a peaceful and united region."