South Africa has hailed the adoption of a provincial constitution in Somalia hoping it will pave the way for stability and prosperity.
“We extend our hearty congratulations to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the Somali people and all stakeholders following the adoption of this constitution. This is indeed a historic moment that will pave the way for stability and prosperity in Somalia,” International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said during the week.
“We wish to take this opportunity to call on those who have remained outside of the political process to lay down arms and contribute positively towards the rebuilding of their country,” said the minister.?
Under the provisional constitution, a new parliament will be selected by 135 Somali traditional elders, which in turn will elect a speaker and president, key ingredients of a plan to move Somalia out of the long transitional period by August 20.?
Since the outbreak of a civil war in 1991, there has been no central government control over most of Somalia's territory, and the internationally-recognised transitional government controls only a small part of the country