It appears Somalia's parliament is poised to extend its term for another 2 or 3 more years. This comes shortly after IGAD announced its support of an extension. This IGAD announcement is being used as an excuse by MPs to show that the "international community" supports a transition, when in reality the IGAD announcement essentially reflects Ethiopian policy. Nevertheless, since parliament looks like its going to stick around a while longer, how can the Somali political process be moved forward? Clearly an amendment to the Charter is needed to avoid any future unilateral extensions, but as for today, how can parliament be held accountable to be a more productive force and make the necessary changes? This is the question I'm asking myself and I wonder if its structurally possible. Perhaps Parliament by its nature, especially in the current political configuration, is designed to be a corrupt obstacle to peace.
Nevertheless, there are some bright spots in parliament, some MPs who are in favor of reform. These are the actors that should be supported and they themselves need to do a better job of reaching out to the Somali people.
Nevertheless, there are some bright spots in parliament, some MPs who are in favor of reform. These are the actors that should be supported and they themselves need to do a better job of reaching out to the Somali people.
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