Mogadishu (Government Press Release)-Somali Traditional Elders have reviewed the Draft Constitution and made their recommendations that will be presented for debate to the National Constituent Assembly.

This milestone was reached after days of open discussions and deliberations. In the spirit of reconciliation, the group of 135 representative elders paved the way for the continuation of the Roadmap process and the end of the transition.

Minister for Constitution and Reconcilliation, Abdirahman Hosh Jibril, welcomed the key move, “We are glad to move forward with the process, the Somali People are keen for change and this historic move ensures that. We must continue to work together in the spirit of reconciliation to secure the future of generations to come and see a state that serves the Somali people with effective governance through representative, inclusive and accountable institutions at all levels.”

The next step in the process is for the group of 135 elders representing the various clans to select the 825 members of the National Constituent Assembly who will adopt the constitution. If approved, the constitution will only serve provisionally until a national referendum can be held.