December 2, 2021 (Bishoftu, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) organized a first of its kind three-day workshop on Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) and systems in Somalia.
The workshop brought together senior officials of the Federal Government pf Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS) to exchange information and learn about the concept, principles, approaches, institutionalization, benefits and challenges of intergovernmental relations in Somalia.
The workshop established a road map aimed at strengthening federalism and inclusive processes in Somalia by promoting IGR. The roadmap also aims at operationalizing intergovernmental mechanism through policy, legal and institutional interventions. The roadmap sets out a series of recommendations and priorities, and among others, agreed on leveraging on the support of all relevant government ministries, department and agencies. In addition, ensuring extensive engagement to enhance coordination and create awareness and set in motion processes to complete the Somalia IGR legislation.
In his opening remarks on behalf of the IGAD Special Envoy for Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia, Mr Walter Ochanda stated that the workshop served to enlighten participants on how to strengthen intergovernmental relations with a view to providing an effective platform for the FGS and FMS to break the barriers to communication and to enhance the capacities for seamless communication, collaboration, coordination, as well as dialogue to develop consensus on emerging issues.
On his part, H.E Mohamed Ibrahim Nor (PhD), Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Office emphasized the importance of sustaining and building Intergovernmental relations mechanism to contribute towards inclusive political processes and service delivery in Somalia. He also thanked IGAD for convening such an important workshop and look forward to the fruitful conclusion of this process.
