Traditional elders in the South West state of Somalia have said they have made good efforts to end the political and security tensions in the areas of the administration, following meetings held over the past three days.
Chief Shire Ugaas Warsame, one of the traditional leaders of the South West state, told a press conference that the elders met with top federal government officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Governor Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe), as well as the South West state president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen).
Chief Shire said all parties have shown readiness to stop the conflict and bloodshed, stressing that political power cannot be sought through force and war.
“Human blood is forbidden, and it is not appropriate to seek power,” said Chief Shire, warning against anyone who tries to achieve political gains through violence.
He said that starting tomorrow, all military movements between the warring parties will be suspended, and the deployment of troops and military equipment will be suspended, in order to pave the way for peace.
They also called for the opening of air traffic to facilitate the travel of civilians, especially patients in need of medical care and people trapped in areas affected by the conflict.
Ugaas Shire noted that traditional elders have been assigned to be the highest authority in resolving the conflict, and to lead the process to achieve peaceful and agreed elections.
“We have decided that the current issues, starting with the issue of elections, should be based on the traditional elders of the Southwest. They are the authority of the Southwest. That they should be given advice and give advice on how the Southwest can go to elections peacefully. We thank the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia for allowing us to have the traditions set the stage and gather in Baidoa,” he said.
He said that once a comprehensive agreement is reached, the results will be reported to the federal government for ratification and support for its implementation.
The elders also called on politicians in the South West to lay down their arms and resolve their differences through dialogue, rather than resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, he urged Somali scholars to participate in peace efforts by praying for the people and encouraging them to seek peace.
Ugaas Shire expressed hope that the agreements reached would come into effect soon, noting that both parties had promised to issue official documents confirming these decisions.
